Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick sautéed shrimp tossed with tender zucchini noodles, fresh garlic, and basil for a light and satisfying Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, spiralized into noodles medium zucchini, divided extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchini (zoodles) to the skillet along with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss and cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is just tender.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and add 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir gently to combine and warm through for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately for a fresh, Whole30-compliant meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil?

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 thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.

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

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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Basil whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, paleo, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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