Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil Pesto

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and vibrant shrimp tossed with zucchini noodles in a fresh basil pesto, finished with a hint of citrus for a satisfying, easy-to-digest meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes blends medium Zucchini, Shrimp, Basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.8 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 4 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 2 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup packed basil, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Process until smooth, adding 2 tbsp olive oil until thick.
  4. Step 4: Return skillet to medium heat, add cooked zucchini noodles and pesto, and toss until well coated. Add cooked shrimp and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil Pesto?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil Pesto?

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 Zucchini Noodles and Basil Pesto 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil Pesto?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes