Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, colorful pasta alternative with sweet peppers and succulent shrimp, ready in 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 20 minutes pairs large zucchini, shrimp, red bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 2 large zucchinis into noodles (about 4 cups), then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink; remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add sliced 1 red bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Bell Peppers 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 Shrimp and Bell Peppers?

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 large zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Bell Peppers?

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 Shrimp and Bell Peppers 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Bell Peppers?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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