Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-07 · Updated 2026-04-07

A quick, nutrient-dense meal for restarting your Whole30 journey, featuring zucchini ribbons and shrimp sautéed in aromatic garlic and herbs. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium zucchini, shrimp, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchini
6 oz shrimp
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp sea salt

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles (about 2 cups total), then pat dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 oz peeled shrimp and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add 2 cups zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing for 3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp sea salt until evenly distributed and fragrant.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp?

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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp low carb?

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