Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
A light, flavorful dinner featuring succulent shrimp and zucchini noodles tossed in garlic-infused oil, ready in under 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs raw peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 178 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, raw peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 medium, spiralized zucchini
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2, juiced lemon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 8 oz shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden but not browned.
- Step 4: Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 5: Add 2 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm (al dente).
- Step 6: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 1/2 lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped parsley, then toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic 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 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 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.