Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Light and fresh sautéed shrimp tossed with zucchini noodles in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, perfect for a low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tablespoons unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter sauce for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together and cook for another minute to combine flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Butter Sauce 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 Butter Sauce 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.

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