Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic-Chili Oil
Tender shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic-chili oil served over fresh zucchini noodles for a light, Whole30-friendly dinner. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, spiralized into noodles medium zucchini, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 4, spiralized into noodles medium zucchini
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 4 wedges, for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant — be careful not to burn.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, season with 3/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and toss in 4 spiralized medium zucchinis. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté zucchini noodles for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet with zucchini noodles, toss gently to combine and warm through for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with 4 lemon wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic-Chili Oil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic-Chili Oil?
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 thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic-Chili Oil?
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-Chili Oil 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-Chili Oil whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Roasted Cauliflower Rice
Garlic-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Avocado Cilantro Sauce
Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Basil Pesto
Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew Ginger Sauce
Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew
One-Pan Garlic Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
