Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil

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

Quick-cooked shrimp paired with zucchini noodles in a lemon-basil sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a vibrant, nutrient-rich meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 20 minutes pairs shrimp, zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes until just tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon), 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until flavors are combined.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil 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 Zucchini Noodles and Fresh Basil?

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 shrimp from drying out.

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

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 Fresh Basil 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.

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

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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