Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles in Garlic Herb Sauce
Tender shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic and fresh herbs, served over light and refreshing zucchini noodles for a clean Whole30 meal. This whole30-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, spiralized into noodles medium zucchini, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3, spiralized into noodles medium zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet along with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss and cook zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet with zucchini noodles. Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and aromatic.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles in Garlic Herb Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles in Garlic Herb Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles in Garlic Herb Sauce?
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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles in Garlic Herb Sauce 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles in Garlic Herb Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, low carb, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Equipment for this recipe
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