Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil
Light zucchini noodles tossed with garlicky shrimp and fresh basil make a quick, flavorful Whole30-approved dinner that’s both satisfying and low carb. This italian-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, minced garlic cloves, olive oil 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
- 3, spiralized into noodles (about 6 cups) large zucchini
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 1 pound raw shrimp with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and add to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Add 6 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with garlic oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are just tender but still have bite.
- Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves, and gently toss everything together. Adjust seasoning with remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt and serve immediately for a fresh Whole30 dinner.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil?
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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil?
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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, 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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