Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Butter

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

Light and fresh shrimp sautéed with zucchini noodles in a vibrant lemon-garlic butter sauce, perfect for a fast, healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, zucchini noodles (spiralized zucchini), unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 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 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and starts to foam. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque; transfer shrimp to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles to the skillet along with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are just tender but still have bite.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together for 1 minute to warm through. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed before serving immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Butter 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

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

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 Lemon-Garlic Butter 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter 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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