Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Bell Peppers
A light, colorful pasta alternative with sweet peppers and succulent shrimp, ready in 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 20 minutes pairs large zucchini, shrimp, red bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 12 oz shrimp
- 1 red bell peppers
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 2 large zucchinis into noodles (about 4 cups), then pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink; remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add sliced 1 red bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 5: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
- Step 6: Return shrimp to skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Bell Peppers 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 Shrimp and Bell Peppers?
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 large zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Bell Peppers?
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 Shrimp and Bell Peppers 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Bell Peppers?
Mediterranean whole30 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a light dinner on a hot day. The bell peppers added such a nice sweetness!
- ★★★★★
My kids actually ate zucchini noodles for the first time! The shrimp and bell peppers made it feel special.
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland, but great for a quick weeknight meal with the Whole30 compliance.
