Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and fresh Whole30 dish combining tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, served over spiralized zucchini noodles. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, thinly sliced 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 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and toss in the spiralized noodles of 3 medium zucchinis. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and toss gently to combine and warm through for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Red Pepper 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Red Pepper 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Red Pepper 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Red Pepper 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, 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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