garlicky shrimp zucchini boats

Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 20 minutes

• Total: 35 minutes

🍽 Servings

• Serves 4 (2 boats per person)

🛒 Ingredients (Everything Listed)

Main

• 4 medium zucchini

• 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Garlic & Seasoning

• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Flavor Boosters

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-ins

• ¼ cup mozzarella or provolone cheese

• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (for crunch)

🔪 Preparation (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Prepare the Zucchini Boats

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

2. Wash zucchini and cut lengthwise

3. Scoop out the center using a spoon, leaving a ¼-inch shell

4. Lightly brush boats with 1 tbsp olive oil

5. Season with a pinch of salt & pepper

6. Place on a lined baking tray

👉 Bake empty boats for 10 minutes to prevent sogginess

2️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry

2. Chop shrimp into bite-size pieces

3. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning

3️⃣ Cook Garlicky Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil + butter in a skillet over medium heat

2. Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant

3. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink

4. Add lemon juice & zest

5. Remove from heat

4️⃣ Assemble the Boats

1. Remove zucchini from oven

2. Spoon shrimp mixture evenly into each boat

3. Sprinkle Parmesan (and mozzarella if using)

4. Optional: add breadcrumbs for crisp topping

5️⃣ Final Bake

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes

• Broil 1–2 minutes for golden top (optional)

🌿 Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley

• Add extra Parmesan if desired

• Serve hot

🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per serving – 2 boats)

• Calories: 230–260

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 11g

• Low-carb | Keto-friendly | Gluten-free

⭐ Pro Tips

✔ Don’t overcook shrimp – it turns rubbery
✔ Pre-baking zucchini keeps boats firm
✔ Add cream cheese (2 tbsp) for creamy version
✔ Great for meal prep (store up to 2 days)

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
➡ Yes! Air fry at 370°F for 8–10 minutes

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
➡ Yes, fully thaw and pat dry first

Q: Can I make it spicy?
➡ Add chili garlic sauce or cayenne pepper

👉 Per serving (4 servings): 4–5 WW points

🔹 Ways to LOWER the Points

✅ 2–3 Point Version

• Use 1 tbsp olive oil total instead of 2

• Skip butter

• Use 2 tbsp light Parmesan

➡ New total: ~8–9 points
➡ Per serving: 2–3 points