Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Chili Flakes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick and light shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, served over tender zucchini noodles for a low-carb flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, medium, spiralized zucchini, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles. Toss and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the shrimp to the skillet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and toss everything together for 1 minute to combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Chili Flakes 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Chili Flakes?

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 medium, spiralized zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Chili Flakes?

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 and Chili Flakes 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 with Zucchini Noodles and Chili Flakes 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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