Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, spiralized zucchini
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to a plate and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.