Name: 25-Minute Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles - Heavenly & Healthy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cups butternut squash noodles; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup white wine; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

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You know those nights when you want something fancy-feeling but don’t have time for fussy cooking? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this shrimp scampi with butternut squash noodles. It’s my go-to when I’m craving restaurant-quality flavor without the heaviness of traditional pasta.

I first tried this combo during a busy week when my fridge held nothing but shrimp and a lonely butternut squash. What started as desperation became my favorite healthy hack. The sweet squash noodles soak up that garlicky, lemony sauce perfectly, while the shrimp cooks in minutes. It’s lighter than classic scampi but just as satisfying, plus you get that gorgeous orange color that makes any dinner feel special.

Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles - detail 1

Contents hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

2 Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

3 How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

3.1 Preparing the Shrimp and Noodles

3.2 Cooking the Shrimp Scampi

3.3 Combining Everything

4 Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

5 Ingredient Substitutions for Shrimp Scampi

6 Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

7 Storing and Reheating Shrimp Scampi

8 Nutritional Information for Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

9 Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

10 Share Your Shrimp Scampi Experience

11 25-Minute Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles – Heavenly & Healthy

11.4 Notes

11.6 Did you make this recipe?

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

This dish hits all the right notes for busy weeknights when you want something special without the hassle. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:

Lightning fast: From fridge to table in under 25 minutes, faster than ordering takeout!
Guilt-free deliciousness: The butternut squash noodles give you that pasta satisfaction without the carb crash.
Bold flavors: Garlic, lemon, and a kick of red pepper flakes create that classic scampi zing we all crave.
Meal prep magic: Leftovers taste amazing cold for lunch the next day (if you have any left!).
Impress factor: That vibrant orange color makes it look way fancier than the effort required.

Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with regular pasta for shrimp scampi! If you are looking for other quick dinner ideas, check out some recipes over at familytastes.com.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dish. I’ve learned through trial and error that quality ingredients really make the difference here, especially when the recipe is this simple!

1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined (I leave tails on for pretty presentation)
4 cups butternut squash noodles: Fresh is best! Look for firm, bright orange squash
3 tbsp olive oil: The good stuff, it’s the base of our sauce
4 cloves garlic: Freshly minced (no jarred stuff, please!)
1/4 cup dry white wine: Use something you’d drink; a crisp Pinot Grigio works great
2 tbsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, about 1 large lemon
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Adjust up if you like more heat
1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped right before using for maximum freshness
Salt and pepper: To taste, I use about 1/2 tsp sea salt

How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

Now for the fun part! I promise this comes together so easily once you get going. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have restaurant-worthy shrimp scampi in no time. The key is having everything prepped and ready before you start cooking; that garlic cooks fast!

Preparing the Shrimp and Noodles

First things first: pat those shrimp dry with paper towels. Wet shrimp will steam instead of getting that nice sear. If you’re ambitious and spiralizing your own squash, aim for noodles about 1/4-inch thick; too thin, and they’ll turn mushy. (No spiralizer? Most grocery stores now sell pre-cut squash noodles in the produce section, total lifesaver!)

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Cooking the Shrimp Scampi

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Now, here’s my secret: stir constantly for exactly 30 seconds, any longer and the garlic burns. Add the shrimp in a single layer (you might need to do two batches if your pan’s small). Cook just until they turn pink, about 2 minutes per side; they’ll finish cooking later. Undercooked shrimp are better than rubbery ones!

Combining Everything

Pour in the wine and lemon juice, it’ll bubble dramatically (that’s the good stuff!). Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Now add your squash noodles and toss gently with tongs. Cook for 3-4 minutes, testing a noodle, you want tender but still with a slight bite. The sauce should lightly coat everything. Finish with parsley, salt, and pepper, then serve immediately while it’s piping hot!

Pro tip: If your pan seems dry when adding the noodles, splash in 1-2 tbsp of pasta water or chicken broth. The noodles will soak up the sauce beautifully without getting soggy.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make it perfect every time. First, taste your butternut squash noodles raw; if they’re bland, toss them with a pinch of salt before cooking. For extra flavor, sprinkle the shrimp with a little paprika before sautéing. Always use fresh lemon juice; that bottled stuff just doesn’t give the same bright pop!

To prevent soggy noodles, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the squash. If you’re doubling the recipe, work in batches. And here’s my favorite trick: let the finished dish sit for just 2 minutes before serving, the flavors meld beautifully without the noodles getting mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions for Shrimp Scampi

Don’t have every ingredient? No worries! This dish is super flexible. Swap butternut squash noodles for zucchini noodles if you want something even lighter; just cook them 1 minute less since they’re more delicate. Chicken works great instead of shrimp (slice it thin and cook 3-4 minutes per side). No white wine? Use chicken broth with an extra squeeze of lemon. And if you’re out of fresh parsley, basil, or chives, make lovely alternatives. Just promise me you’ll never skip the garlic, that’s what makes this dish sing!

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

This dish shines bright on its own, but I love building a full meal around it! For a casual weeknight, I’ll serve it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette; the peppery greens balance the rich shrimp perfectly. When I’m feeling fancy, garlic bread (the kind that gets all crispy and golden) is mandatory for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.

Wine lovers, listen up: a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect partner. The crisp acidity cuts through the richness just right. If you’re avoiding alcohol, sparkling water with lemon slices works surprisingly well, too. Honestly though? My favorite way to serve this is straight from the pan with some crusty bread nearby for spontaneous dipping! If you enjoy making bread for dipping, you might like this cheddar herb breadsticks recipe.

Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles - detail 3

Storing and Reheating Shrimp Scampi

This dish tastes best fresh, but I’ve definitely had to store leftovers before. Here’s how I keep them tasty! First, let the scampi cool to room temperature (but no more than 2 hours, food safety first!). Transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

When reheating, I’ve learned the hard way that microwaves turn those beautiful noodles to mush. Instead, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Stir just until heated through, about 3 minutes, and the texture stays perfect. Pro tip: add fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon after reheating to brighten everything up!

Nutritional Information for Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

One serving of this delicious dish packs about 280 calories, with 24g of protein and only 18g of carbs. Talk about a win-win! The butternut squash gives you a healthy dose of vitamin A, while the shrimp provides lean protein. Remember, nutritional values can vary slightly based on exact ingredients used, but this meal is always a nutritious choice. It’s naturally gluten-free and lower in calories than traditional pasta dishes, making it perfect for those watching their intake without sacrificing flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi with Butternut Squash Noodles

I get so many questions about this recipe. Here are the ones that pop up most often! First up: “Can I use frozen shrimp?” Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and pat them super dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp work great in a pinch. For more ideas on quick meals, check out this garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe.

“What if I can’t find butternut squash noodles?” No worries! Zucchini noodles work beautifully, or you can even use sweet potato noodles for a heartier twist. Just adjust cooking time, zucchini needs about 2 minutes less, while sweet potato might need 1-2 minutes more.

“How do I make it less spicy?” Easy! Just skip the red pepper flakes entirely, or start with 1/8 tsp. You can always add more heat at the table with crushed red pepper.

“Can I make this ahead?” I recommend cooking it fresh, but you can prep all ingredients separately in advance. Keep noodles in water in the fridge, and have shrimp cleaned and ready to go. The actual cooking takes just 15 minutes!

“What’s the best wine substitute?” Chicken broth with an extra squeeze of lemon works perfectly. The acidity is what really matters here to balance the rich sauce.

Share Your Shrimp Scampi Experience

I’d love to hear how your shrimp scampi turns out! Did you add your own twist? Maybe some extra garlic (I always do!) or a different veggie noodle? Drop a comment below with your experience. Your tips might help other home cooks discover their new favorite weeknight meal! If you are interested in other healthy hacks, you might enjoy this carrot ginger soup shooters recipe.