Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “what’s that green thing?” I’ve been there more times than I can count. My kitchen has seen more food negotiations than a UN summit.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our new favorite: Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Packets with Zucchini Noodles. It’s a lifesaver. It looks fancy, but it’s secretly one of the easiest, most forgiving dinners in my rotation. If you love the classic flavors of garlic butter shrimp scampi, you’ll adore this simple, packet-style version.
Best part? Everything cooks together in its own little foil pouch. That means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Even my most skeptical kid was curious about opening his own “dinner present.”
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!
I get it. Shrimp and zucchini can be a hard sell. But this dish has some secret kid-appeal powers. First, the fun factor of having your own packet is huge. It’s like a treasure hunt on a dinner plate.
The zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” soften up beautifully and soak in that amazing garlic butter sauce. They often just blend right in. For my kids, I sometimes call them “shrimp spaghetti” and that does the trick. The flavors are simple, familiar, and downright delicious—similar to the comforting taste of my lemon garlic butter chicken.
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 fancy, hard-to-find items here.
- 1 ½ pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (you’ll use the juice and some zest)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for the adults!)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved is my best trick for getting little mouths to eat. This recipe is perfect for that. My kids love having a job.
Their favorite task is assembling the packets. Give each kid a large piece of foil on a baking sheet. Let them pile on the zucchini noodles and shrimp. They feel like they built their own dinner.
Another great job is sprinkling the parsley and a little lemon zest. It’s safe, easy, and makes them feel like master chefs.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the packets intimidate you. It’s so simple, I promise. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get out 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps them get nice and seared, not steamed.
- 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 juice of half the lemon.
- Divide the spiralized zucchini evenly among the four foil pieces, placing it in the center. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the shrimp on top of the zucchini noodles in each packet. Drizzle the glorious garlic butter sauce evenly over each portion.
- Seal the packets tightly. Fold the foil over the ingredients and roll the edges to create a sealed pouch. Leave a little room for steam to circulate inside.
- Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. The shrimp should be pink and cooked through.
- Carefully open the packets (watch for steam!). Garnish with fresh parsley, a little lemon zest, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family has different taste buds. Here’s how we tweak it to make everyone happy at our table.
For sensitive kids, I serve the sauce on the side. Sometimes they just want plain shrimp and noodles. Dipping is always more fun anyway!
For my husband and me, we add a pinch of red pepper flakes to our packets before baking. A little kick makes it feel extra special.
Got a cheese lover? A sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella on top before sealing the packet is magical. It gets all melty and wonderful.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This meal is a fantastic make-ahead option. It saves my sanity on super busy weeknights.
Let the cooked packets cool completely. You can store them, still sealed, in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, just place the whole foil packet on a baking sheet. Warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. It keeps everything moist and tasty.
Nutrition Notes
As a parent, I love that this meal is packed with good stuff. It’s a win for our health goals too.
- High in protein from the shrimp.
- Low in carbs, perfect for a keto lifestyle.
- Full of vitamins from the zucchini and lemon.
- Healthy fats from the butter keep everyone full.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I cook these on the grill?
Absolutely! These packets are grill masters. Just place them over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes. It gives a wonderful smoky flavor.
My zucchini is always watery. How do I fix that?
This is a common worry. After you spiralize the zucchini, toss it with a little salt and let it sit in a colander for 10 minutes. Then, squeeze out the excess water with your hands or a clean towel. It makes a huge difference.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted very dry first. If they’re wet, they’ll steam instead of roast and can make the packet soggy.
I really hope this recipe brings some peace, and full bellies, to your dinner table. It’s become our go-to for a fast, healthy, and crowd-pleasing meal. If you’re looking for another quick, bite-sized dinner idea, you have to try these irresistible garlic butter chicken bites.
Nothing makes me happier than hearing a recipe worked for another busy family. I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
