Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil

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

Bright and light sautéed shrimp infused with lemon and garlic, served over tender zucchini noodles tossed with fresh basil for a healthy low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  2. Step 2: Remove shrimp to a plate and add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add 4 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and cook, tossing gently, for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  3. Step 3: Return shrimp to the skillet with zucchini noodles. Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for a fresh, light meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil?

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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil?

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 with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil 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.

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