Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles in Tomato Sauce (Low-Carb & Diabetic-Friendly)!

Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles in Tomato Sauce (Low-Carb & Diabetic-Friendly)

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the shrimp:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the zucchini noodles:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the tomato sauce:

  • 2 cups sugar-free tomato sauce (or low-sugar marinara)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp to coat evenly.

   • Grill or sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Zucchini Noodles:

   • While the shrimp cooks, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

   • In a separate saucepan, heat the sugar-free tomato sauce over medium heat. Add oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

4. Assemble the Dish:

   • To plate, place the zucchini noodles on a plate and top with a generous amount of tomato sauce.

   • Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

   • Serve immediately and enjoy this low-carb, diabetic-friendly meal!

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them by leaving them in the refrigerator for a few hours or placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.

Q2: Can I substitute zucchini noodles with regular pasta?
While regular pasta is higher in carbs, zucchini noodles are a great low-carb substitute that fits well with a diabetic-friendly meal plan. However, if you’re not concerned about carbs, you can certainly use regular pasta.

Q3: How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftover shrimp and zucchini noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent them from drying out.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp, zucchini noodles, and tomato sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the dish just before serving.

Q5: What other vegetables can I use with this recipe?
Besides zucchini, you can try spiralized butternut squash, spaghetti squash, or even thinly sliced eggplant. These vegetables are also low in carbs and make great pasta alternatives!

Q6: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly as it is low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.

Q7: Can I add more flavor to the tomato sauce?
If you like a spicier sauce, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. For extra richness, a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of cream can also enhance the sauce’s flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~250-300

• Carbs: ~8g (mainly from zucchini)

• Protein: ~30g (from shrimp)

• Fat: ~15g

• Fiber: ~3g (from zucchini)

This dish is a perfect option for people with diabetes as it’s low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels while still being flavorful and filling.