Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi over Broccoli Noodles

Step 1

Trim the broccoli stems—cut off the woody ends and peel away any tough spots with a vegetable peeler to make them nice and smooth. Then, use the smallest blade on your spiralizer to turn the stems into noodles. Save the florets for another recipe.

Step 2

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli noodles, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they’re just tender, take them off the heat and set aside.

Step 3

In another pan, warm the rest of the olive oil along with the garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about a minute. Add the shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and opaque—around 3 minutes per side should do it. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl for now.

Step 4

Pour in the wine and lemon juice to the pan, then add the butter, fresh basil, chives, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together over medium heat for a few minutes until the sauce comes together and the butter melts.

Step 5

Finally, toss the shrimp back into the pan with the sauce to coat them well. To serve, pile the broccoli noodles into bowls and spoon the shrimp and sauce on top. Enjoy!

How To Serve This Dish

Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. A side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad pairs well to round out the meal. A squeeze of lemon over the top brightens the dish beautifully.

How To Keep It Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp. The broccoli noodles may release some water when reheated, so drain if needed before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

What can I substitute for fresh basil and chives if I don’t have them?

You can use dried basil and chives, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil.

Can I use a different vegetable instead of broccoli stems for the noodles?

Yes, zucchini or cucumber noodles work well as low-carb alternatives.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 3 minutes per side; remove them promptly from heat.

Can I prepare the broccoli noodles ahead of time?

It’s best to spiralize and cook the noodles fresh, but you can prep the noodles a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge in an airtight container.

What type of wine is best to use in this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for the sauce.

Can I skip the red pepper flakes if I don’t like spicy food?

Yes, you can omit them or reduce the amount to suit your taste.