Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil Pesto
Vibrant zucchini noodles tossed with plump shrimp and herby basil pesto, ready in under 20 minutes for a light yet satisfying dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 20 minutes blends medium zucchini, shrimp, olive oil 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 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 6 oz shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp basil pesto
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Add spiralized zucchini noodles and red pepper flakes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Stir in basil pesto and cooked shrimp, tossing until evenly coated and heated through (about 1 minute). Season with salt and black pepper.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil Pesto 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil Pesto?
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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil Pesto for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Basil Pesto?
Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
