Paleo Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi over Zucchini Noodles

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

Juicy shrimp sautéed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with avocado oil and fresh herbs, served atop tender zucchini noodles for a light Paleo and Whole30 seafood dinner. This italian-inspired seafood (whole30, paleo) ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, sea salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the shrimp.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Over medium heat, add spiralized noodles from 4 medium zucchinis to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss gently with 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and warm through for 1 minute before serving immediately for a zesty, healthful meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Paleo Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi over Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Paleo Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi over 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 sea salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Paleo Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi over 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 Paleo Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi over Zucchini Noodles 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 Paleo Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi over Zucchini Noodles whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, paleo, 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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