Zucchini Noodles and Shrimp with Spicy Vodka Sauce

Zucchini Noodles and Shrimp with Spicy Vodka Sauce

Summertime means a lot of things to me. And the meaning of summertime has changed...

Zucchini Noodles and Shrimp with Spicy Vodka Sauce

Summertime means a lot of things to me. And the meaning of summertime has changed as I’ve gotten older.

For instance, when I was a little girl, summer meant more arts and crafts and day camp. In high school, it meant summer reading and sports camps. In college, it meant internships and spending time with friends that were home from school.

Post college, it meant (and still means) spending as much time outside, outdoor BBQs, sun dresses, and enjoying great cocktails (outside).

Zucchini Noodles and Shrimp with Spicy Vodka Sauce

Now that I’m #inspiralized, I get to add one more thing to my meaning of summer: zucchini noodles.

I’ve been dreaming of making a spicy vodka sauce with zucchini noodles for awhile, and I’ve been saving it until it was a bit closer to true summertime.

Actually, summer will have an extra special meaning this year and for the rest of my life, because it’s our wedding anniversary! June 20th was our wedding (you can see recaps part 1, 2, and 3), so now when I think of the summer, I think of the best day of my life (so far, of course!)

For those of you who have celiac’s, avoid gluten for dietary preferences, or are simply trying to cut down on their gluten intake, this recipe is 100% gluten-free. And yes, it has vodka in it! For this recipe, I used Stoli Gluten Free vodka to add that vodka sauce kick. Stoli Gluten Free is made with naturally gluten free ingredients, 88 percent corn and 12 percent buckwheat. Pretty cool!

Zucchini Noodles and Shrimp with Spicy Vodka Sauce

And I have to say, this vodka is so smooth! There are very few vodkas I like, because usually they’re way too alcohol-tasting, but this Stoli doesn’t disappoint. So, those of you who are gluten-free can now enjoy vodka sauces – you’ll just have to make them yourself! But it’s easy, because all you’ll need is a few simple ingredients and the Inspiralizer!

The basil is key here – so don’t skimp on it! It adds a freshness to this spiked pasta sauce and complements the flavors of the shrimp. If you can’t have shellfish, chicken will work just fine and if animal protein isn’t your jam, have it as is, or toss some cannellini beans for protein.

Note: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stoli. The opinions and text are all mine.

Watch our video to learn how to spiralize a zucchini using the Inspiralizer and subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch more videos:

 

Nutritional Information & Recipe

Weight Watchers SmartPoints*: 9 points

*These points were calculated using the official Weight Watchers SmartPoints calculator. We are in no way affiliated with Weight Watchers, we are providing this information based on popular demand.

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Zucchini Noodles and Shrimp with Spicy Vodka Sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled, deveined
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or less if you don’t like it too spicy
  • 1 14.5 ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup vodka I used Stolichnaya
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup coconut cream from a can of lite coconut milk
  • 4 medium zucchinis Blade C, noodles trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until C-shaped and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a large plate with a slotted spoon or tongs and cover with foil or something to keep warm.
  • Immediately add in the onions, garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet used to cook the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes or until onions soften. Add in the tomatoes, vodka, and oregano. Bring to a boil and then lower to medium-low and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and let cook for 3 more minutes to thicken a bit.
  • Meanwhile, place another large skillet over medium-high heat and once heated, add in the zucchini noodles. Cook the noodles, tossing frequently, until al dente, 3-5 minutes. Drain into a colander and then divide into four plates and set aside.
  • Once sauce is done, add back in the shrimp and toss to coat. Stir in the basil, season with more salt if needed, and portion out over the bowls of zucchini noodles. Garnish with extra red pepper flakes.

Zucchini Noodles and Shrimp with Spicy Vodka Sauce

with love, Ali

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Recipe Rating




comments

  • I don't drink and try not to cook with alcohol... should I add something without the vodka?
  • The WW Smart Points number is missing. I'm sure you calculated it. If so, can you add it, please? This looks delicious, and I can't wait to make it...maybe tonight! I just bought shrimp. I must have been reading your mind! Ha!
    • The post has been updated with WW points, sorry for the inconvenience!
  • Hi Ali sounds yummy I will omit alcohol as we have kiddos.
  • Where's the recipe. Photos look yummy
  • I eat zucchini noodles all year round! They're just way too irresistible to confine to one season. Anyways, I love the flavors that are combined in this recipe! The tomatoes and coconut together sound so incredible!
  • Hi Ali, What can I use in place of the coconut milk?
  • This meal sounds and looks so delicious! Will taste it this weekend :)
  • Hi, looks yummy!http://www.probobble.com
  • I received my spiralizer yesterday and this was the first recipe I tried. All I can say is Yumm-o! Hubby and I both absolutely loved it! Thank you for an easy to follow delicious recipe that is packed with amazing flavor. The coconut milk made me a bit weary but I am sooo glad I used it. I was a little intimidated at first with how to cut and cook the "zoodles" but I watched your videos and you made it look so easy and foolproof! I can not wait to try more of your recipes. Thank you so much!
    • Michelle! This is fabulous to hear. Thank you for sharing!
  • This recipe is fabulous-great job hitting all these flavorful notes! Even my boyfriend found himself enjoying zucchini noodles once again to his surprise! I must say, I am a sauce addict and so I doubled everything in the sauce recipe except for the shrimp. I would definitely do it again, I would just reduce the red pepper flakes to about half the amount for my palate's comfort level. For those who like it hot, like my man, you are gonna love this!
    • Thanks, Rachel! We're so glad you all enjoyed this dish so much.