Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles
A light, vibrant dinner with succulent shrimp in a bright lemon-garlic sauce served over zucchini noodles for a low-carb delight. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 315 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
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb shrimp with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 2: Push shrimp to one side of the skillet, then add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and golden (do not brown).
- Step 3: Stir in 1 lemon zested and juiced, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, then simmer for 2 minutes until sauce reduces and thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add 2 medium spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet, stirring until they heat through and coat in sauce (about 2-3 minutes), adding a splash of water if noodles stick.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 & Zucchini Noodles?
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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles?
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 & Zucchini Noodles 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles 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
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
