Sautéed Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender shrimp sautéed with paprika and garlic served over fresh zucchini noodles for a light and Whole30-friendly dinner. This whole30 (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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 but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet along with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the spiralized noodles from 3 medium zucchinis and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm.
  4. Step 4: Return the shrimp to the skillet with zucchini noodles, toss gently to combine, and cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles 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 Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

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 Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles 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 Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles whole30?

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

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