Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Chili Flakes

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and vibrant dish featuring sautéed shrimp in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce tossed with tender zucchini noodles and a kick of red chili flakes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp is pink and opaque, then remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet along with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss and cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini noodles soften but remain slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss everything together for 1 minute to combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for a fresh, light meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Chili Flakes 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Chili Flakes?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Chili Flakes?

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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Chili Flakes 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Chili Flakes 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.

Related recipes