Garlic-Shrimp Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes
A light, flavorful dinner featuring tender shrimp and zucchini noodles tossed in a lemon-garlic sauce for easy digestion and sustained energy. This italian-inspired whole30 (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 8 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2, juiced lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden, then add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 3: Add spiralized zucchini noodles, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss for 2-3 minutes until zucchini is tender but still firm (al dente), stirring frequently to prevent mushiness.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add chopped basil, and toss for 1 minute until heated through and evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Shrimp Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Shrimp Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Shrimp Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Shrimp Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Shrimp Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
