Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce

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

Tender shrimp sautéed in a spicy tomato and fresh basil sauce served over vibrant zucchini noodles for a light Whole30 meal. This Mediterranean-inspired Whole30 recipe (low carb, gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a separate skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the shrimp skillet and toss for 2 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  6. Step 6: Divide the shrimp and zucchini noodles onto plates and spoon the spicy tomato basil sauce over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Spicy Tomato Basil 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 Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce 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 Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce low carb?

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

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