Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and flavorful zucchini noodles tossed with sautéed shrimp, bursting cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a vibrant Whole30 seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently with the tomato mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but not mushy.
  5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet, add 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, tossing everything together for 1 minute to combine and heat through before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Cherry Tomatoes 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.

Is Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, 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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