Garlic-Pepper Zucchini Noodles with Pan-Seared Shrimp
A quick, satisfying keto dinner featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a garlicky herb sauce and topped with perfectly seared shrimp. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs medium (about 12 oz total) Zucchini, Olive oil, finely minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 12 oz total) Zucchini
- 8 oz (16-20 count), peeled and deveined Shrimp
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cloves, finely minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 tsp, freshly ground Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 60 seconds until fragrant and golden, then stir in red pepper flakes and black pepper.
- Step 4: Add zucchini noodles and toss for 3 minutes until tender but still firm, using tongs to prevent mushiness.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice, parsley, and salt, then toss for 1 minute until heated through and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Pepper Zucchini Noodles with Pan-Seared Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Garlic-Pepper Zucchini Noodles with Pan-Seared Shrimp?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Pepper Zucchini Noodles with Pan-Seared Shrimp?
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 Garlic-Pepper Zucchini Noodles with Pan-Seared Shrimp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Garlic-Pepper Zucchini Noodles with Pan-Seared Shrimp keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
