Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 recipe (low carb), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, zucchini, olive oil 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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

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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.

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 zucchini 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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