Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili over Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic and chili flakes served atop fresh zucchini noodles for a light, Whole30-compliant dinner. This american-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra virgin 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 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 American cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic edges just begin to turn golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp seasoned with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. 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 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles, add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and toss gently to combine and warm through for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili over Zucchini Noodles 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 with Garlic and Chili over Zucchini Noodles?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili over Zucchini Noodles?

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 with Garlic and Chili over Zucchini Noodles 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 with Garlic and Chili over Zucchini Noodles whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, 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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