Heart-Healthy Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

Protein

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables (choose 2–4 for a veggie-forward meal)

• 2 cups zucchini noodles or thinly sliced zucchini
• 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed or sautéed
• 1 cup baby spinach or Swiss chard
• 1 cup asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup green beans or snap peas, trimmed

Sauce

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional; can be omitted)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the shrimp
   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the garlic
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
3. Cook the shrimp
   Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Deglaze the pan
   Pour white wine or low-sodium broth into the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits and simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.
5. Add vegetables
   Add heartier vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans) to the skillet first and cook 2–3 minutes until just tender.
   Stir in softer vegetables (zucchini, spinach, tomatoes) and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted or warmed through.
6. Finish the sauce
   Lower heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and optional butter until the sauce is smooth.
7. Combine and serve
   Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat with vegetables and sauce. Finish with parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• Vegetables make up the bulk of the plate, increasing fiber and nutrient density
• Olive oil and citrus replace heavy butter and excess sodium
• Naturally low in saturated fat and adaptable for low-carb or whole-grain meals
• Easy to customize based on seasonal or frozen vegetables