Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic-Cilantro Pesto

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

Lightly sautéed shrimp tossed with tender zucchini noodles and a vibrant garlic-cilantro pesto perfect for a Whole30-compliant dinner. This seafood (whole30, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, medium zucchini, fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 3 peeled garlic cloves, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pulse while slowly drizzling in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until a smooth pesto forms. Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and pulse once more.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add shrimp to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add spiralized noodles from 3 medium zucchinis and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 1/3 cup prepared garlic-cilantro pesto, and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately garnished with extra cilantro or pine nuts if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic-Cilantro Pesto 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-Cilantro Pesto?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic-Cilantro 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 Garlic-Cilantro 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.

Is Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic-Cilantro Pesto whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes