Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Shrimp

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

A light and fresh low-carb dish featuring zucchini noodles tossed with garlic butter and succulent shrimp. This mediterranean-inspired low carb ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium zucchini, shrimp, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and golden, but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add spiralized noodles from 3 medium zucchinis and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes to the skillet. Toss gently for 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to skillet, drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together for 1 minute to combine and warm through. Adjust seasoning with 1/4 tsp salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Shrimp 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Shrimp?

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 medium zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Shrimp?

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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Shrimp 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Shrimp 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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