Looking for a light, satisfying dinner that comes together in one pan and under 30 minutes? This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles dish delivers on all fronts. It’s bright and zesty, loaded with juicy shrimp, and balanced out with tender-crisp zucchini noodles that soak up every drop of flavor.

This recipe is perfect for warm evenings when you want something fresh but still comforting. It’s also a great way to sneak in extra vegetables without sacrificing any taste. The lemon and garlic combo gives this dish a refreshing punch, while the shrimp add a touch of indulgence.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For this dish, medium to large shrimp work best as they cook quickly and hold their shape beautifully. Go for peeled and deveined shrimp to make your prep quicker. If you’re buying frozen, just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

Shrimp: The star protein of this dish, bringing sweetness and a tender bite.

Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative to pasta that absorbs flavor wonderfully and adds a nice crunch.

Garlic: A must-have for building savory depth and giving that iconic aroma.

Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens the dish with a tangy finish and helps tenderize the shrimp.

Olive Oil: Keeps everything moist and helps garlic release its aroma.

Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds color and a clean herbal note to the final dish.

Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for bringing all the flavors together.

How To Make the One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by spiralizing your zucchini into noodles (or use pre-spiralized zoodles to save time). Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic and zest one lemon, then slice it in half to juice later.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a touch more olive oil if needed and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to brown it.

Step 4: Add the Zucchini Noodles

Toss in the zucchini noodles and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they start to soften. You want them to be tender but still with a bit of bite.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the lemon zest and juice. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, then heat through for another minute.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley and a final sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Serving and Storing Your One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

This dish is best served hot straight from the pan, garnished with extra parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for that extra citrus pop. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime for a refreshing touch.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that zucchini noodles tend to release water over time, so gently reheat in a pan to cook off any excess moisture before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well—just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.

How do I keep zucchini noodles from getting soggy?

Cook them briefly—just until they’re slightly softened—and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach are great additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have a spiralizer?

You can find pre-spiralized zucchini at most grocery stores or use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto meal plan.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook everything just before eating for the best texture and flavor.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re into flavorful meals like this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles, check out these next:

One-Pot Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Delight for a creamy, comforting twist.
Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken for a tangy, protein-packed dinner.
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini if you’re craving something rich and cheesy.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Rotini for a saucy one-pan indulgence.
Fresh & Flavorful Classic Greek Salad to pair with shrimp or enjoy as a light main.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh or frozen shrimp? Any veggie swaps that worked well?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to ask questions too—let’s cook smart together!

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A bright and zesty one-pan meal featuring juicy shrimp, garlicky olive oil, and tender zucchini noodles. This low-carb dish is full of flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Spiralize zucchini into noodles or use store-bought zoodles. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper. Mince garlic, zest and juice the lemon.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Lower heat, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add zucchini noodles and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
Return shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together and cook for another minute.
Garnish with parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner