🍤 Creamy Zucchini and Shrimp Pasta 🥒🍝

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Why this recipe rocks for Weight Watchers:

This dish is a perfect low-point, high-flavor meal that’s packed with protein, veggies, and creamy goodness without the guilt. By swapping traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles (“zoodles”), you drastically cut down carbs and calories, making it a satisfying yet light dinner option. Plus, shrimp provides lean protein, which helps keep you fuller longer.

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (about 4 cups)
1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil (or use a non-stick spray for fewer points)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese (can substitute with light Greek yogurt for fewer points)
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Juice of half a lemon
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Your Zoodles and Shrimp

Start by spiralizing your zucchinis using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. If you don’t have one, you can also thinly slice zucchini into ribbons with a vegetable peeler.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — this helps them sear better.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn!
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, until pink and slightly golden. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through. Shrimp should be opaque and firm.
Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, lower heat to medium-low and add the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom for extra flavor.
Stir in the low-fat cream cheese (or Greek yogurt). Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce. If needed, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.
Add lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. The lemon adds brightness that balances the creaminess.

Step 4: Toss in the Zoodles

Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zoodles are tender but still have a slight crunch (al dente). Avoid overcooking or they’ll get soggy.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently toss everything together to combine and warm through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

WW SmartPoints:

Approximately 4 SmartPoints per serving (based on using 1 tbsp olive oil and low-fat cream cheese). Points may vary slightly depending on brands and substitutions.

Pro Tips for Weight Watchers Success:

Use cooking spray instead of olive oil to reduce points further.
Swap cream cheese for plain non-fat Greek yogurt to lower points while keeping creaminess.
Add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach to bulk up the dish without adding points.
Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal that fills you up.