Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Parsley Sauce

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

Tender shrimp quickly sautéed in garlic and fresh parsley, served over zucchini noodles for a light and flavorful Whole30 dinner. This whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 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 280 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Whole30 cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 spiralized medium zucchinis (zoodles) seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté zoodles for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet with zoodles, add 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss gently for 1 minute until everything is heated through and coated in the garlic parsley sauce. 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 Garlic Parsley Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Garlic Parsley Sauce?

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 Garlic Parsley Sauce?

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 Parsley Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Parsley Sauce 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