Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil Zucchini Noodles

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

Light and fresh sautéed shrimp tossed with zucchini noodles, bright lemon, and fragrant basil for a healthy low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, spiralized into noodles medium zucchini, 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.

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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchini noodles and 3/4 tsp salt. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil 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 Lemon Basil 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil 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 Lemon Basil 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 Lemon Basil 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.

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