Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Zucchini Noodles

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

Quick and light Whole30 dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and tossed with fresh zucchini noodles for a vibrant meal. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs raw shrimp peeled and deveined, medium zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create noodles from 3 medium zucchinis and set aside. Mince 4 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz raw peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove shrimp from the skillet.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp olive oil and the minced garlic along with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing gently, until just tender but still slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add 1 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Toss everything together for 1 minute to combine and heat through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic 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 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 medium zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic 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 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 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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