Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Basil Sauce
Quick sautéed shrimp tossed with tender zucchini noodles in a fragrant garlic basil sauce for a light Whole30-friendly dish. This italian-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 20 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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 280 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but not mushy.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and fragrant. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Basil 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Basil 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Basil 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Basil 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Basil Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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