Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and bright shrimp sautéed with garlic and lemon, served over spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with fresh basil and parsley. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 calories and feeds 3, 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles. Sauté zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still with a slight bite.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet with zucchini noodles. Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Toss gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Fresh Herbs?

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 Fresh Herbs?

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 Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Fresh Herbs low carb?

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

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