Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp stir fry with zucchini noodles and bell peppers delivers a colorful, Whole30-friendly meal packed with flavor and crunch. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, zucchini noodles, medium red bell pepper, julienned for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through, then remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 julienned red bell pepper and 1 julienned yellow bell pepper; sauté for 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 cups zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring gently until just softened.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss with vegetables, and cook for 1 more minute to combine flavors.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.