Garlic Zucchini Noodles
A light, healthy, and quick alternative to pasta. Spiralized zucchini is lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a simple yet flavorful side dish, perfect with Italian-American classics.
For 4 servings
Prepare the zucchini noodles.
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini.
- Using a spiralizer, create noodles from the zucchini.
- Spread the zucchini noodles on a layer of paper towels and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture. This is key to preventing soggy noodles.
TIPIf you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a mandoline with a julienne blade to create thin strips.Sauté the aromatics.
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the zucchini noodles.
Add the dried zucchini noodles to the skillet. Using tongs, toss them gently to coat with the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the noodles are just tender but still have a slight crunch (al dente).
TIPDo not overcook the zoodles, as they will release water and become mushy. A quick sauté is all they need.Finish and season the noodles.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together one last time.
TIPAlways salt zucchini noodles at the very end of cooking to prevent them from releasing excess water.Serve immediately.
Divide the garlic zucchini noodles among four plates and serve immediately as a fresh, flavorful side.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Patting the spiralized zucchini dry with paper towels before cooking is the most important step to avoid a watery dish.
- 2Salt the zucchini noodles only after they are cooked and off the heat. Salting them earlier will draw out moisture.
- 3For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese at the end, but be mindful of added calories.
- 4Zucchini noodles are best served immediately as they don't hold up well for leftovers.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Toss with grilled shrimp, cooked chickpeas, or shredded chicken to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
healthyHealthy
To lower the calories, reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons and add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the pan to help steam the noodles.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the red pepper flakes and toss with a little butter instead of olive oil for a milder flavor that kids might prefer.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low-Carb Pasta Alternative
Zucchini noodles are an excellent low-carbohydrate and gluten-free substitute for traditional pasta, making them ideal for keto, paleo, and low-carb diets.
Rich in Vitamins
Zucchini is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are important for immune function and vision health.
Promotes Hydration
With a high water content, zucchini helps contribute to your daily hydration needs, which is essential for overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, zucchini noodles are very healthy. They are low in calories and carbohydrates, gluten-free, and a good source of vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber.