Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “ew” or “what’s that green thing?” I’ve been there more times than I can count. My mission is to find dinners that are healthy, easy, and actually get eaten. If you love quick shrimp dishes, you must try this juicy garlic butter shrimp scampi that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our new favorite: Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Packets with Zucchini Noodles. It sounds fancy, but I promise it’s weeknight-easy. The best part? Everything cooks together in its own little foil pouch, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
If you’re dealing with picky eaters, this method is a game-changer. Each person can get their packet just how they like it. No more separate meals for the kids and adults. We all sit down to the same delicious, healthy dinner, and that feels like a huge win.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
My kids were suspicious at first. Shrimp? Zucchini? But this dish has some secret weapons that won them over.
First, the garlic butter sauce is a universal language of deliciousness. It coats everything in a rich, savory flavor that makes the zucchini noodles taste amazing. For another fantastic take on this classic sauce, check out my rich and bold Dijon shrimp scampi recipe. Second, cooking in packets keeps the shrimp incredibly tender and juicy, not rubbery. And third, the “fun factor” of opening their own steaming hot packet at the table is a big hit. It feels like a special treat, not a “healthy” meal they have to endure.
Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Packets with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Packets with Zucchini Noodles Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep things simple. You probably have most of this in your kitchen right now. No hard-to-find specialty items here!
- 1 ½ pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (you’ll use the juice and some slices)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting kids in the kitchen is a great way to make them more interested in trying new foods. For this recipe, there are a couple of perfect jobs.
Younger helpers can be in charge of laying out the foil squares and placing a handful of zucchini noodles in the center of each one. Older kids can safely use the spiralizer (with supervision!) or help toss the shrimp with the seasonings. It makes them feel proud and invested in the meal.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the packets intimidate you. It’s one of the easiest cooking methods out there. Just follow these simple steps.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off four large squares of heavy-duty foil (about 12×12 inches each).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, a big pinch of salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and squeeze in the juice from half the lemon.
- In a large bowl, combine the raw shrimp and zucchini noodles. Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the top and gently toss everything to coat evenly.
- Divide the shrimp and zucchini mixture evenly among the four foil squares, piling it in the center.
- Top each pile with a slice or two of the remaining lemon half. If you like a little heat, sprinkle a tiny bit of red pepper flakes over the adult portions.
- Bring the opposite ends of the foil together and fold them down tightly over the food. Then fold in the sides to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s sealed well so the steam stays inside!
- Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. The shrimp should be pink and cooked through.
- Carefully open one packet (watch for steam!) to check for doneness. Let them sit for a minute before serving right in the foil for that fun, interactive meal.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here’s how we tweak it for our crew.
For super sensitive kids, you can serve the garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping. Sometimes, just having control helps. For the adults or more adventurous eaters, try adding a handful of cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese before sealing the packets. My husband loves when I add a few slices of andouille sausage to his for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This is a fantastic make-ahead meal for those crazy weeks. You can assemble the packets a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
For leftovers, simply store any extra shrimp and zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition Notes
This meal is not only delicious but also packed with good-for-you ingredients. It’s naturally low-carb and high in protein.
- High in protein from the shrimp.
- Low in carbohydrates, perfect for a keto lifestyle.
- Rich in healthy fats from the butter.
- Provides vitamins from the zucchini and lemon.
- This is a gluten-free dish by nature.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I cook these on the grill?
Absolutely! These packets are perfect for summer grilling. Just place them directly over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes. Give them a little shake halfway through.
My kids don’t like shrimp. Can I use chicken?
You sure can. Just swap the shrimp for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast. You’ll need to increase the cook time to about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Do I have to use a spiralizer for the zucchini?
Not at all. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to make wide, flat “noodles” or simply slice the zucchini into thin half-moons. It will still taste great.
I hope this recipe brings as much peace to your dinner table as it has to ours. It’s a simple, healthy, and genuinely tasty solution to the “what’s for dinner” dilemma. If you’re looking for a more comforting, hearty version, you’ll love this garlic butter shrimp scampi served over creamy polenta. Plus, that clean-up is a beautiful thing for any busy parent.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eaters give it a try? Please leave a comment and rating below!
