Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Quick sautéed shrimp seasoned with chili and garlic served over fresh zucchini noodles for a light and Whole30-approved meal. This whole30-inspired seafood (low carb, dairy free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the spiralized noodles from 3 medium zucchinis and sauté for 2 minutes just until warmed through and slightly softened.
- Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini noodles, toss to combine, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Sautéed 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 Spicy Sautéed 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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sautéed 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 Spicy Sautéed 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, dairy free, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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