Ah, summer in the kitchen—it’s where fresh ingredients and lighter meals come together in the most beautiful way. I can vividly remember those sunny days when my mom would prepare delicious, healthy meals with whatever was ripe from our garden. One of her favorites was stuffed vegetables, and she had this magical way of transforming simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to share a recipe that channels that same spirit: Healthy Garlicky Shrimp Zucchini Boats. These delightful little boats are bursting with flavor and make for the perfect weeknight dinner or a stunning dish for entertaining!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner!
• Budget-friendly with fresh ingredients.
• Packed with shrimp, zucchini, and garlicky goodness.
• Low carb and healthy, perfect for a light meal.
• Customizable with your favorite spices and toppings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious zucchini boats:

• 4 medium zucchinis (medium-sized is perfect for stuffing)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh gets you the best flavor!)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds so much punch!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika if you prefer)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice level)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish and brighten the dish!)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (I love mozzarella or a sharp cheddar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, and you’ll want to savor every moment of the process.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want our zucchini boats to roast to perfection!
2. Wash the zucchinis, then slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seeds to create a little “boat” for the shrimp filling. Be careful not to scoop too deep—you still want the zucchini to hold its shape.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn; the aroma will start filling your kitchen!
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet, followed by the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them; we want them juicy!
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the chopped parsley. Now’s the time to taste your shrimp filling! Adjust the seasoning if needed—this is your masterpiece!
6. Now, it’s time to fill those zucchini boats! Place the hollowed zucchinis on a baking sheet and generously spoon the shrimp mixture into each half.
7. Sprinkle the cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell will be heavenly!
9. Once out of the oven, garnish with the remaining parsley for a pop of color, and you’re ready to serve!

Quick tip: If you want to avoid watery zucchini, try sprinkling a little salt inside the hollowed zucchinis and letting them sit for 10 minutes before filling them. This will help draw out excess moisture.

Pro Tips & Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Here are a few fun ways to customize your Healthy Garlicky Shrimp Zucchini Boats:

• A Different Protein: Swap shrimp with chicken or even a plant-based protein like tofu. Just adjust the cooking time for the protein you choose!
• Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the shrimp filling for a creamy texture.
• Herbs & Spices: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, dill, or Italian seasoning to switch things up.
• Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the filling for more Veggie goodness!

Serving Suggestions

These gorgeous zucchini boats are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a few side dishes! Serve them alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing crunch. A slice of crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices, or you could even serve them over fluffy quinoa or brown rice. As for drinks? A crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon complements the dish wonderfully!

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerating: Allow the stuffed zucchini to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These boats freeze surprisingly well! Just wrap each boat tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, pop the zucchini boats back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can add a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra melty finish!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp can work just as well and saves time!

What if I can’t find zucchini?

No worries! You can use other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplants, or even portobello mushrooms as your base. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. Each veggie has its own cook time!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp filling and hollow out the zucchinis ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them. Perfect for meal prep!

What’s the best way to ensure my zucchini isn’t too watery?

Slicing them lengthwise and salting the insides for a bit helps draw out moisture. Just remember to pat them dry before stuffing!

What can I use instead of cheese for a dairy-free option?

You can skip the cheese altogether or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is also a fantastic option for adding that cheesy flavor without any dairy!

Conclusion

I hope this Healthy Garlicky Shrimp Zucchini Boats recipe fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas just like it does mine. It’s one of those recipes that brings a joyful smile to your face with each bite. I would absolutely love to hear how yours turned out, or if you added any fun twists of your own! Don’t hesitate to drop a comment below and share your culinary adventure. Happy cooking, friend!

Irresistible Healthy Garlicky Shrimp Zucchini Boats Recipe

---

• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor delicious garlicky shrimp in nutritious zucchini boats Perfect for a healthy meal or party appetizer its a musttry 155 chars

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 medium zucchinis

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup shredded cheese

---

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Wash the zucchinis, then slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds to create a boat.

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

Add shrimp, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp is pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in half of the parsley. Adjust seasoning.

Fill the zucchini boats with the shrimp mixture.

Sprinkle cheese on top. Optionally add breadcrumbs.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.

Garnish with remaining parsley and serve.

Notes

Delightful zucchini boats stuffed with garlicky shrimp, low carb, and perfect for a light meal or entertaining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Protein: 28 grams

Keywords: healthy shrimp recipe, zucchini boats, garlicky shrimp, low carb dinner