Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil
Light and flavorful sautéed shrimp tossed with fresh zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing Whole30-friendly dish. This whole30-inspired whole30 (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3, spiralized into noodles medium zucchinis
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Toss and cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute to combine flavors.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with additional sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Tomato 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles with Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato and Basil low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.