Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon-Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp cooked quickly in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, served over fresh zucchini noodles for a light Whole30 meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low carb, dairy free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, turn 3 medium zucchinis into noodles and set aside in a colander to drain excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp and set aside. Add zucchini noodles and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet, tossing gently for 1-2 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss with noodles, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon-Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Lemon-Garlic Sauce?

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 medium zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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