Sautéed Garlic Shrimp over Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp cooked in a garlicky butter sauce served over light zucchini noodles for a healthy, low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, unsalted butter 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and foamy. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Add 3 large spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over everything and toss gently for 30 seconds to combine and heat through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp over Zucchini Noodles 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 Garlic Shrimp over 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp over 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 Shrimp over Zucchini Noodles 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 Garlic Shrimp over Zucchini Noodles low carb?

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

Related recipes