Sautéed Spicy Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender shrimp cooked in garlic and chili flakes served over fresh zucchini noodles for a light Whole30 seafood dish. This seafood-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp peeled and deveined, medium (spiralized) zucchini, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 190 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 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 3/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Remove shrimp and keep warm; in the same skillet, add the spiralized noodles from 3 medium zucchinis and cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing gently until just tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet, add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, tossing everything together over low heat for 1 minute before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spicy Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Spicy 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 medium (spiralized) zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spicy 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 Spicy Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles 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 Spicy Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles whole30?

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

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