If you’re on the hunt for a quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly tasty dish that’s low carb and high in protein, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Shrimp & Artichoke Zucchini Boats! Picture this: tender zucchini filled with a savory shrimp and artichoke mixture, all topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh Roma tomatoes. Not only is this meal a breeze to prepare, but it also packs a flavorful punch that will make you forget you’re eating healthy. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner after a long day, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
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5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious meal prepped and ready to go in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Low Carb, High Protein: This dish is a fantastic way to keep your carbs low while still packing in plenty of protein, thanks to the shrimp.
- Budget-Friendly: Zucchini and shrimp are affordable, and by using marinated artichokes, you’re adding tons of flavor without the need for extra ingredients.
- Meal Prep Magic: These zucchini boats reheat beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping your lunches or dinners for the week.
- Flavor Explosion: The marinated artichokes add a zesty, tangy kick that elevates the whole dish, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why Marinated Artichokes Are a Meal Prep Hack:
Using marinated artichokes is a genius way to amp up the flavor in your meals without any extra fuss. They come pre-seasoned, so you’re saving time on chopping and seasoning while still getting a burst of flavor. Plus, they add a great texture and an extra serving of veggies to your dish, making it even more nutritious. Toss them into salads, pasta, or like in this recipe, as part of a tasty filling for your zucchini boats. It’s an easy way to add a gourmet touch to your meals with minimal effort!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Zucchini is the perfect low-carb vessel for our savory filling. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine while providing a tender, slightly sweet base. When hollowed out and air-fried, it becomes soft yet firm enough to hold the delicious shrimp and artichoke mixture. Plus, zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals, adding a nutritious element to the dish.
- Shrimp is a lean source of protein that cooks quickly and has a delicate flavor, making it an ideal pairing with both zucchini and artichokes. Its slightly sweet, briny taste enhances the dish without overpowering it, and it absorbs the flavors of the garlic and marinade beautifully. The shrimp adds texture and heartiness, making the dish more filling while keeping it light.
- Marinated artichokes are the secret ingredient that takes this recipe to the next level. They bring a tangy, zesty flavor that contrasts nicely with the mild zucchini and the tender shrimp. The marination adds depth and complexity to the dish without the need for extra seasoning. Plus, artichokes are a good source of fiber, making the meal more satisfying and nutritious.
- Garlic is the flavor powerhouse of the recipe. Its pungent, savory taste adds warmth and aroma, enhancing both the shrimp and artichokes. Garlic pairs especially well with seafood, drawing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding a savory kick that ties all the ingredients together.
- Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the tanginess of the artichokes and the sweetness of the shrimp. It melts slightly over the hot shrimp mixture, creating a creamy, savory topping that pulls the entire dish together. A little Parmesan goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal.
- The Roma tomato adds a fresh, juicy element that brightens up the dish. Its slight acidity cuts through the richness of the Parmesan and the olive oil, providing a refreshing contrast. Diced Roma tomatoes also add color and texture, making the zucchini boats visually appealing as well as delicious.
How to Make Shrimp Zucchini Boats
- Hollow out the insides of the zucchini and save them for later. (Tip: Use a melon baller for easy scooping!)
- Drizzle the zucchini boats with a little bit of olive oil and place them flesh side down in the Air Fryer. Air fry at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. Depending on the thickness of your zucchini, you may need to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, marinated artichokes, and about 2 tablespoons of the marinade from the jar. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the shrimp and artichokes from the heat. Scoop the shrimp mixture into the zucchini boats, garnish with grated Parmesan and diced tomatoes.
- Serve immediately or pack them up for a perfect meal-prep option. Enjoy!
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions:
- Swap Shrimp for Chicken: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or want to switch it up, diced chicken breast or thighs work great. Cook them the same way as the shrimp, making sure they’re fully cooked through before adding them to the zucchini boats
- Use Fresh Artichokes: If you prefer a more subtle artichoke flavor, you can use steamed or roasted fresh artichokes instead of marinated ones. This will give the dish a more delicate taste, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
- Replace Parmesan with Feta: For a different flavor profile, swap the Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese. Feta adds a tangy, creamy element that pairs well with the other ingredients, especially if you enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Try Different Vegetables: If zucchini isn’t your favorite, you can use bell peppers, eggplant, or even large tomatoes as the base for your filling. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure your chosen vegetable is tender.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp and artichoke mixture. It will give the dish a spicy kick that balances well with the tangy artichokes and sweet zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the zucchini boats in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until tender. You can also lightly sauté the zucchini halves in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before stuffing them.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the flavors.
What can I do with the zucchini flesh I scooped out?
Don’t let the zucchini flesh go to waste! You can chop it up and sauté it with the shrimp and artichoke mixture, or save it for another dish like a stir-fry, omelet, or even a smoothie for an added veggie boost.
Shrimp Zucchini Boats
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition