Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender shrimp and zucchini noodles simmered in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with fresh herbs for a light, flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spiralized zucchini, peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spiralized zucchini and cook for 2 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest, then return the shrimp to the skillet with the drained zucchini noodles, tossing gently for 1 minute until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to a plate and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Lemon 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 spiralized zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Lemon 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 Lemon 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 Lemon 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

Related recipes