Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Zucchini Noodles, and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and vibrant shrimp sautéed with garlic and served over spiralized zucchini noodles with bursts of roasted cherry tomatoes, perfect for a Whole30 seafood dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and start to blister.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet with tomatoes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Push tomatoes and garlic to one side of the skillet and add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet along with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss everything together and cook for 2 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but not soggy.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Zucchini Noodles, and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 extra virgin olive oil 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 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, Zucchini Noodles, and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy 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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