Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic
Quick-cooked shrimp tossed with spiralized zucchini and aromatic garlic for a light, satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs large, peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic 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 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
- 1 lb large, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 medium, spiralized zucchini
- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 2 spiralized zucchinis to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine, cooking for 1 more minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Garlic?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic?
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 Garlic 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 Garlic?
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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
