Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Zucchini Noodles
Quick-cooked shrimp with garlic, served over zucchini noodles for a low-carb, nutrient-dense meal to support stress reduction. This asian-inspired whole30 (low-carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs pound, peeled and deveined shrimp, spiralized into noodles zucchini, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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 pound, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2, juiced lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove from skillet.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Return shrimp to skillet, add 1/2 lemon juiced, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to combine and cook for 1 minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 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 minced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and 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 Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Zucchini Noodles 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.