Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes
Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil served over spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined raw shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, extra virgin 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined raw shrimp
- 3 medium (about 24 oz), spiralized zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and then 3 spiralized medium zucchinis (about 24 oz). Toss and sauté zucchini noodles for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the zucchini noodles. Cook for 1-2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
- Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes 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 and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 and Cherry Tomatoes 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 and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.