Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick paleo seafood dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, tossed with fresh zucchini noodles and juicy cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired paleo (paleo, gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 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 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque, then remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles, tossing gently with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, the remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, tossing everything together for 1 more minute to combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes paleo?

Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, gluten free, dairy 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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