Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Herbs

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

A quick Whole30 seafood dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and tossed with spiralized zucchini and bright fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, divided olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Mediterranean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp along with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves along with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet along with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently, until the zucchini noodles soften but still have a slight bite.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss with the zucchini noodles. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately while warm, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Herbs 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 Fresh Herbs?

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 divided olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Herbs?

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 Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Fresh Herbs whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, 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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