Skip to content

Want to start a healthy lifestyle? Get my FREE Top 15 Health Tips!

Creamy Pesto Shrimp and Zoodles

  • gluten-free Gluten-Free
  • dairy-free Dairy-Free
  • paleo Paleo
  • low-carb Low Carb
  • keto Keto
  • whole30 Whole30
  • low-calorie Low Calorie
  • pescatarian Pescatarian

I LOVE pesto. 😍 And creamy pesto? Oh, now we’re talkin’.

While most pesto is made with cheese, this pesto is actually dairy-free. But still super creamy because I pack it with pine nuts. This creamy pesto is the perfect addition to zoodles. Let’s be honest, zoodles are pretty bland and kind of boring. It’s all about the sauce.

You’re going to love how easy and quick this recipe is. It takes less than 25 minutes. I know making your own pesto may seem a little daunting, but really it couldn’t be easier!

As far as equipment goes, you’re going to need a large skillet, a spiralizer, and a food processor. I have been using the Paderno spiralizer for years and love it! It really makes consuming more vegetables easy and fun. You’d be surprised at all the things you can spiralize! And if you’re in the market for a new food processor, the Cuisinart 11-cup is where it’s at.

While I love this dish hot, it’s also great cold! If you don’t cook the zoodles it actually cuts out some of the cooking time too! Just cook the shrimp, then add the zoodles and pesto and toss. So easy and equally delicious. Because it’s so good cold and quick to make, this dish is perfect for meal prep!

Enjoy!!

Join My Community!

Want to get my new recipes delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up for my weekly newsletter and never miss a new recipe!

    Creamy Pesto Shrimp and Zoodles

    • gluten-free Gluten-Free
    • dairy-free Dairy-Free
    • paleo Paleo
    • low-carb Low Carb
    • keto Keto
    • whole30 Whole30
    • low-calorie Low Calorie
    • pescatarian Pescatarian
    4.72 from 7 votes
    Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Low Carb, Keto
    Prep Time: 6 minutes
    Cook Time: 16 minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes
    Servings: 2 -3 servings

    Ingredients 

    Creamy Pesto

    • 3 cups 21g basil leaves, loosely packed
    • 3/4 cup 100g pine nuts
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1/2 lemon juiced
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • 1/2 tsp sea salt
    • 1/8 tsp black pepper
    • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

    Shrimp & Zoodles

    • 3 medium zucchini
    • 1/2 tsp sea salt
    • 1 lb 450g shrimp, peeled
    • 2 Tbsp grass-fed butter ghee, or avocado oil, divided

    Instructions

    Creamy Pesto

    • Add all ingredients except olive oil to a food processor.
    • Blend until fairly smooth, scraping down the sides as needed (about 1-2 mins).
    • With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. The consistency should be similar to the picture above.

    Shrimp & Zoodles

    • Pat the shrimp completely dry and set aside.
    • Spiralize the zucchini and place it in a colander.
    • Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sea salt and toss gently.
    • Place colander in a large mixing bowl. The purpose of this is to drain some of the water from the zoodles before cooking. They will release water while sitting in the colander.
    • Sprinkle shrimp with a little salt and pepper.
    • In a large skillet, melt 1 Tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
    • When the pan is hot, add shrimp one by one to the pan and cook for about 1 minute per side for medium-sized shrimp. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your shrimp.
    • Remove shrimp to a plate.
    • Squeeze water from the zoodles by pressing with a clean dish towel or paper towel.
    • Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
    • When it's hot, add the zoodles and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until just heated through, tossing occasionally with tongs. If any more water comes out, make sure to drain it before adding the pesto.
    • Add the pesto and shrimp to the skillet and toss gently until everything is coated in pesto.
    • Season to taste with sea salt.

    Did you love the recipe? I would love it if you left me a 5-star review below!

    Author: Kit

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @itskitskitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #kitskitchen

    How did yours turn out? Let me know in the comments section below!

    xx Kit

     

     

     

     

    *Disclosure: Kit’s Coastal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    A quick and easy dinner in only 22 mins! This creamy pesto shrimp and zoodles recipe is paleo, low carb, keto, Whole30, and dairy-free!

    SaveSave