This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic shrimp scampi, substituting pasta with a healthier, low-carb alternative - spaghetti squash. The savory shrimp, seasoned with garlic and red pepper flakes, pairs perfectly with the delicate strands of the squash. Topped with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley, this dish is a decadent yet guilt-free treat you won't wait to indulge in.
The main ingredient that you may not regularly have on hand is spaghetti squash. This unique variety of squash is known for its stringy flesh that closely resembles spaghetti when cooked. You can typically find spaghetti squash in the produce section of your local supermarket, particularly during the fall season.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
Spaghetti squash: A winter squash that when cooked, the flesh falls away into ribbons or strands like spaghetti.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the shrimp and garlic, adding a delicate flavor.
Garlic cloves: Adds an aromatic flavor to the shrimp.
Red pepper flakes: Gives a spicy kick to the shrimp.
Shrimp: The main protein source in this dish; the shrimp is cooked until pink and succulent.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dish.
Ground black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and aroma.
Lemon: Fresh juice and zest add a bright, acidic contrast to the rich shrimp.
Parsley: Used for garnish and adds a fresh, herbal finish.
One reader, Gertruda Zuniga says:
This spaghetti squash shrimp scampi recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so light and satisfying. The combination of shrimp, garlic, and lemon over the spaghetti squash is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.
Techniques Required for Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi Recipe
How to microwave the spaghetti squash: Place the spaghetti squash in the microwave and cook on high for about 10 minutes until it is tender. Once cooked, shred the flesh of the squash and discard the skin.
How to cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and start to curl.
How to combine the ingredients: After cooking the shrimp, add the lemon zest, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to the pan and cook for about 1 minute. Then, remove the pan from the heat, add the parsley and shredded squash, and stir to combine.
How To Make Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
Make a delicious and hearty, low-carb seafood “pasta” with this spaghetti squash dish, made filling with seasoned plum shrimp pieces!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½spaghetti squash,halved vertically, seeded
- 1tbspolive oil
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- ½tspred pepper flakes
- 4ozshrimp,peeled, deveined
- ¾tspsalt
- ¼tspground black pepper
- 1lemon,zested
- 1lemon,juiced
- 2tbspparsley,fresh chopped
Instructions
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Microwave the squash on high for about 10 minutes until tender. Shred the flesh of the squash and discard the skin.
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Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and shrimp.
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Cook for about 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and start to curl. Add the lemon zest, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and cook for about 1 minute.
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Remove from heat, add the parsley and shredded squash, and stir to combine.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 310.48kcal
- Fat: 16.28g
- Saturated Fat: 2.47g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.18g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.38g
- Carbohydrates: 28.90g
- Fiber: 6.91g
- Sugar: 8.76g
- Protein: 18.71g
- Cholesterol: 142.88mg
- Sodium: 1068.46mg
- Calcium: 162.30mg
- Potassium: 587.61mg
- Iron: 2.29mg
- Vitamin A: 111.77µg
- Vitamin C: 77.82mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
When preparing the spaghetti squash, it's important to be careful while shredding the flesh. Use a fork to gently scrape the inside of the squash, creating spaghetti-like strands. This technique helps to maintain the texture and integrity of the squash, ensuring it doesn't become mushy or overly soft.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
Prep ahead: Prepare the spaghetti squash in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save time when you're ready to cook the dish.
Use pre-cooked shrimp: Opt for pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on cooking time. Simply add them to the dish at the end to warm through.
Multi-task: While the squash is cooking in the microwave, use that time to prepare the other ingredients and set up your cooking station for efficiency.
Invest in a good quality vegetable peeler: A high-quality vegetable peeler can make the process of shredding the squash quicker and easier.
Keep ingredients organized: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and organized, so you can easily access them as you cook.
Substitute Ingredients For Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi Recipe
spaghetti squash - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a great low-carb alternative to spaghetti squash and have a similar texture when cooked.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor that can provide a delicious alternative to garlic in this dish.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild heat and smoky flavor similar to red pepper flakes.
shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops can be used as a tasty alternative to shrimp in this scampi recipe, providing a delicate and sweet flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime can be used as a substitute for lemon, providing a similar citrusy flavor to the dish.
parsley - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for parsley, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Presenting Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use negative space to highlight the vibrant colors of the dish and showcase the delicate strands of the spaghetti squash.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle parsley over the dish to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the golden spaghetti squash and pink shrimp, adding an elegant touch to the presentation.
Incorporate citrus accents: Grate lemon zest over the dish to infuse it with a bright, zesty aroma. The citrusy notes will not only enhance the flavors but also add a sophisticated and aromatic element to the overall presentation.
Emphasize texture: Consider adding a delicate sprinkle of sea salt to the dish just before serving. This will not only enhance the flavors but also add a subtle crunch, elevating the overall dining experience.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose serving plates that complement the colors of the dish and enhance its visual appeal. Opt for minimalist, high-quality plates to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the spaghetti squash shrimp scampi.
Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Squash
- Microwave: A kitchen appliance that uses microwave radiation to cook, heat, or defrost food quickly.
- Pan: A cooking utensil used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Olive oil: A cooking oil made from pressed olives, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Garlic cloves: Small segments of garlic bulb, commonly used to add flavor to dishes.
- Lemon: A citrus fruit with a tangy flavor, often used for its juice and zest in cooking.
- Parsley: A versatile herb used to add flavor and garnish dishes.
Storing and Freezing Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
- To store leftover spaghetti squash shrimp scampi, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to help restore moisture and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the spaghetti squash shrimp scampi. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen spaghetti squash shrimp scampi to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as mentioned above, adding a bit more liquid if needed to restore the texture.
- Note: The spaghetti squash may release some water upon thawing, which can be drained before reheating. The shrimp texture may also change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the dish will still be flavorful and enjoyable.
How To Reheat Leftover Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
- Reheat the spaghetti squash shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to preserve the texture of the shrimp and the spaghetti squash.
- For a quick and easy reheating option, microwave the leftover spaghetti squash shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to stir the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the spaghetti squash shrimp scampi in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the shrimp from drying out.
- For a flavorful twist, sauté some additional garlic and red pepper flakes in a pan with a little olive oil before adding the leftover spaghetti squash shrimp scampi. This will help to refresh the flavors and add a new dimension to the dish.
- If the leftover spaghetti squash shrimp scampi seems a bit dry, add a splash of lemon juice or a pat of butter to the dish while reheating. This will help to moisten the spaghetti squash and enhance the overall flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
Spaghetti squash is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. It's also low in calories and can be a healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
Is Making Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi at Home Cost-Effective?
This spaghetti squash shrimp scampi recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as spaghetti squash and shrimp, are reasonably priced and readily available. The addition of olive oil, lemon, and garlic adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. Overall, this dish offers a good balance of cost and quality. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying meal.
Is Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi Healthy or Unhealthy?
The spaghetti squash shrimp scampi recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Spaghetti squash is a low-carb, nutrient-dense vegetable that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. The use of olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes adds flavor without relying on excessive amounts of butter or cream, commonly found in classic scampi recipes.
However, the recipe could be further improved to enhance its nutritional value:
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish for added fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Replace some of the shrimp with a plant-based protein source, such as white beans or chickpeas, to reduce cholesterol and increase fiber content
- Use whole grain breadcrumbs as a topping for added texture and fiber
- Reduce the amount of salt and rely more on herbs and spices like basil, oregano, or thyme for flavoring
- Serve the scampi with a side salad or roasted vegetables to make it a more balanced and nutritious meal
Editor's Opinion on This Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This spaghetti squash shrimp scampi recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dish. The use of spaghetti squash adds a healthy and flavorful element, while the shrimp scampi brings a burst of savory goodness. The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Enhance Your Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi Recipe:
This recipe is a trustworthy choice for your next meal. The spaghetti squash is a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional pasta, providing a lighter and healthier option. The use of shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor and a good source of protein. The combination of garlic and red pepper flakes infuses the dish with a burst of aromatic and spicy notes. The addition of lemon zest and lemon juice brings a refreshing citrusy tang. With the incorporation of olive oil and parsley, this recipe promises a well-balanced and flavorful dining experience.
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