Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp bathed in garlic-infused butter sauce over zucchini noodles, finished with fresh lemon zest for bright flavor. This seafood-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs shrimp, avocado oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Seafood cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim zucchini ends and spiralize into noodles using a julienne peeler, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz shrimp, season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and curl.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley; cook for 1 minute until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Toss in 2 cups zucchini noodles and cook for 2 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

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 Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles low-carb?

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

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