Tired of complicated, time-consuming dinners that leave you with a mountain of dishes and no energy left to enjoy your evening? What if you could have a gourmet-tasting, healthy meal ready in under 15 minutes with just one pan to clean? Sounds too good to be true, right?
Welcome to your new weeknight hero: our One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles: Low-Carb Delight! This recipe is designed specifically for busy health-conscious individuals who crave bold flavor without the fuss—a light, satisfying, and incredibly quick meal solution that fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this vibrant One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles, a true Low-Carb Delight that proves healthy eating can be both absolutely delicious and completely effortless. No special skills required, no complicated techniques—just fresh ingredients, one pan, and about 15 minutes of your time.
Why This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
As a busy working professional who’s always juggling a million things—deadlines, family responsibilities, attempts at maintaining some semblance of a social life—healthy eating used to feel like a luxury I couldn’t afford time-wise. I’d get home exhausted, stare into the fridge, and end up ordering takeout yet again because the thought of cooking (and especially cleaning up afterward) was just too overwhelming.
That was until I discovered the magic of one-pan meals, and specifically, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles recipe. It became an instant staple in my home because it perfectly balances the need for nutritious, low-carb dinner with minimal prep and zero stress. No more standing over multiple pots, no more scrubbing baked-on sauce from three different pans, no more dreading weeknight cooking.
It’s truly been a game-changer for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing precious evenings. Now I can have dinner ready, eaten, and cleaned up in less time than it takes for delivery to arrive—and it tastes infinitely better.
What makes this recipe special isn’t just its incredible bright, fresh flavor or its impressive health benefits. It’s the sheer simplicity. Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, the succulent shrimp absorbing that gorgeous lemon-garlic combination while the zucchini noodles become perfectly tender-crisp. The aroma that fills your kitchen is absolutely intoxicating—like a high-end restaurant, but in your own home, in under 15 minutes.
It’s quick, clean, and consistently delicious every single time. That reliability is what makes this a true weeknight winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh, simple ingredients for maximum flavor!
For the Shrimp and Zoodles:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles (about 4 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large lemon (half juiced, half thinly sliced)
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Equipment Needed
Minimal tools for minimal cleanup!
- Large rimmed sheet pan (13×18 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional but recommended for easiest cleanup)
- Large mixing bowl
- Spiralizer or julienne peeler (or use pre-spiralized zucchini noodles)
- Tongs or spatula
That’s it! One pan, a few basic tools, and you’re ready to create restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Ingredient Notes and Easy Substitutions
Shrimp Options: Large or jumbo shrimp work best—they’re easier to handle and won’t overcook as quickly as smaller shrimp. If you prefer a different protein, thinly sliced chicken breast works well (though cooking time will increase to about 15-18 minutes), and sea scallops are a delicious upscale alternative.
Zucchini Noodles: If you don’t own a spiralizer, don’t worry! Many grocery stores now carry pre-packaged zucchini noodles (often called “zoodles”) in the produce section. You can also use a vegetable peeler to create wider “fettuccine” style ribbons, or even a regular knife to cut thin strips. Any method works!
Herb Swaps: Fresh dill adds a lovely brightness that complements the lemon beautifully, but fresh basil, parsley, or oregano are all delicious alternatives. If using dried herbs, use about ⅓ of the amount called for with fresh.
The Lemon: Please use fresh lemon! The fresh juice and those roasted lemon slices add a brightness that bottled lemon juice simply can’t replicate. It makes a real difference in this recipe.
Keeping It Keto: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly! For strict keto, just verify your shrimp doesn’t have added sugar (some frozen varieties do) and skip the optional Parmesan if you’re monitoring dairy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for dinner in 15 minutes or less!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper for incredibly easy cleanup.
Pro Tip: That parchment paper isn’t just about cleanup—it also prevents delicate shrimp from sticking and helps everything cook more evenly. It’s worth the small extra step!
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the minced garlic, half of the lemon juice (squeeze it directly over the shrimp), olive oil, dried dill (or fresh), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Gently toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated in all that garlicky, lemony goodness.
Pro Tip: Be gentle when tossing—you want to coat the shrimp without bruising them. If you have an extra 5-10 minutes, let the shrimp marinate while you prep the zucchini. This step isn’t essential for this quick recipe, but it does intensify the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Zucchini Noodles
Add the spiralized zucchini noodles directly to the bowl with the seasoned shrimp. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the zoodles get lightly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Pro Tip: Zucchini noodles have high water content and will release moisture when cooked. To prevent a soggy dish, avoid over-tossing or letting them sit too long in the seasoning. For the crispiest results, you can lightly salt the spiralized zucchini in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry before adding—but for a true quick meal, this extra step isn’t necessary with sheet pan roasting.
Step 4: Arrange Everything on the Pan
Transfer the shrimp and zucchini noodle mixture to your prepared sheet pan. Spread everything out in a single layer—this is important! Arrange the thin lemon slices decoratively over the top.
Pro Tip: A single layer is essential for proper roasting. If everything is piled up, the ingredients will steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy zoodles and less flavorful shrimp. If your pan is too small, use two pans rather than overcrowding.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for 8-12 minutes. The shrimp are done when they’re pink, opaque, and have curled into a C-shape. The zucchini noodles should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
Pro Tip: Watch the shrimp carefully—they cook incredibly fast! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough, which is the opposite of what we want. Start checking at 8 minutes. When the shrimp just turn pink and curl into that C-shape, they’re perfect. Pull them out immediately!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Remove the pan from the oven. Squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice over everything if desired, then garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and at peak deliciousness. If you like, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Pro Tip: That final squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens all the flavors and adds an irresistible zing. Don’t skip it—it takes this dish from great to absolutely incredible!
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most common mistake. Shrimp go from perfectly tender to rubbery in a matter of minutes. When they turn pink and form a C-shape, they’re done. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked.
Pat Everything Dry: Whether using fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and can make everything steam instead of roast.
Hot Oven, Quick Cook: The high 400°F temperature is key. It cooks everything quickly, which means the zucchini stays crisp-tender and doesn’t have time to release too much water.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right out of the oven. The zucchini noodles will continue to soften as they sit, so don’t let it wait!
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers: While this dish is definitely best fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Note that the zucchini noodles will soften further as they sit.
Reheating: For best results, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Accept that the texture won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but it’ll still be delicious!
Meal Prep Note: Due to the delicate nature of both shrimp and zucchini noodles, this recipe is better suited for quick fresh cooking rather than make-ahead meal prep. That said, it’s so fast to make that you can easily whip it up fresh any night of the week!
Delicious Variations to Try
Veggie Boost: Add cherry tomatoes (halved), asparagus spears (trimmed), or thinly sliced bell peppers to the pan alongside the shrimp and zucchini for extra color, nutrients, and variety.
Spice It Up: For heat lovers, increase the red pepper flakes significantly or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture. You could also drizzle with sriracha before serving.
Creamy Lemon Garlic Version: After roasting, transfer everything to a serving bowl and stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of coconut cream. It creates a richer, velvety sauce that’s absolutely divine.
Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese after roasting for a Greek-inspired twist.
Herb Garden: Experiment with different fresh herbs! Fresh basil gives an Italian flair, tarragon adds subtle licorice notes, and cilantro with a squeeze of lime creates a completely different flavor profile.
Butter Garlic Finish: For a more indulgent version, toss the finished dish with a tablespoon of melted butter and extra minced garlic. Not strictly health-food, but absolutely delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are zucchini noodles really a good low-carb alternative to pasta?
Absolutely! Zucchini noodles are an excellent low-carb, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta. One cup of zucchini noodles has only about 20 calories and 4 grams of carbs, compared to around 200 calories and 40+ grams of carbs in regular pasta. They’re also packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber—making them a fantastic choice for health-conscious individuals looking to reduce carbohydrate intake without sacrificing texture or satisfaction.
How do I prevent my zucchini noodles from becoming watery?
The key is not overcooking them. Zucchini has high water content, and prolonged cooking releases that moisture. For this sheet pan recipe, the quick high-heat roasting helps maintain their tender-crisp texture. If you’re concerned about excess water, you can lightly salt the spiralized zucchini and let it sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes, then pat thoroughly dry before cooking—though this isn’t strictly necessary with this roasting method.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this one-pan recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp are often flash-frozen at peak freshness and work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking—you can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, or by running them under cold water for 10-15 minutes. Pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure proper browning.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
While best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate nature of both shrimp and zucchini noodles, this recipe can be meal prepped for quick lunches or dinners if needed. Store individual portions in airtight containers and reheat gently. Just know that the zucchini will be softer than freshly made. The good news? This dish is so fast to make that you can easily prepare it fresh most nights!
What can I serve with lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles?
This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider adding a simple side salad with light vinaigrette, some crusty bread (if you’re not strictly low-carb), or roasted cherry tomatoes. For strict keto, a side of cauliflower rice or additional roasted low-carb vegetables pairs nicely.
How do I know when shrimp are properly cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be pink and opaque throughout (no gray or translucent areas), and will have curled into a loose C-shape. If they’ve curled into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked. The texture should be firm but tender, not rubbery. When in doubt, cut one in half to check—there should be no translucent areas in the center.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles: Low-Carb Delight is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or boring. In under 15 minutes with just one pan, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s packed with protein, low in carbs, and absolutely bursting with fresh lemon-garlic flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. There’s no excuse not to eat well when dinner can be this easy. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, trying to eat lighter, or simply want a quick weeknight meal that actually tastes amazing, this recipe delivers on every front.
So the next time you’re tempted to order takeout because you’re too tired to cook, remember this dish. One pan, 15 minutes, incredible flavor, and you’ll feel great afterward. That’s the kind of dinner win we all need.
Happy cooking!
Love quick, healthy meals? Check out our collection of low-carb dinners and speedy one-pan recipes for busy weeknights!
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