Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, and Zucchini Noodles

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

Quick sauté of succulent shrimp with sweet cherry tomatoes and tender zucchini noodles, seasoned with fresh herbs for a light and satisfying Whole30 meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low carb, whole30) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet, stirring gently to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, and 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, Cherry Tomatoes, 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, 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, Cherry Tomatoes, and Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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, Cherry Tomatoes, and Zucchini Noodles low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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