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Healthy Blood-Sugar-Friendly Zucchini Noodles Recipe with Creamy Pesto Shrimp

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A light yet satisfying zucchini noodle dish with creamy pesto and sautéed shrimp that helps keep blood sugar steady. Perfect for quick, nourishing meals without heavy carbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp, medium to large size
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchini noodles: Wash and dry the zucchinis. Using a spiralizer, create noodles and place them in a colander. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Gently pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the creamy pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, cottage cheese, Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Add a teaspoon of water or olive oil if too thick.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  4. Toss together and serve: Reduce heat to low, add zucchini noodles to the skillet with shrimp. Toss gently for 2 minutes to warm noodles without fully cooking. Remove from heat, add creamy pesto, and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Final touches: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a lemon wedge on the side.

Notes

Salt zucchini noodles and let them sit to draw out moisture to prevent sogginess. Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat to avoid rubbery texture. Pulse pesto ingredients to avoid bitterness and toast pine nuts for enhanced flavor. Toss noodles just enough to warm without losing crunch. Store leftovers separately and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, zoodles, pesto shrimp, healthy dinner, low carb, blood sugar friendly, gluten free, quick meal, light dinner

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/healthy-blood-sugar-friendly-zucchini-noodles-recipe-with-creamy-pesto-shrimp/