Zucchini Noodles are a super fun easy vegetable that is lightly seasoned and works as a noodle replacement. They are kid approved, easy to prep and quick to cook. From the refrigerator to the table in a little over ten minutes.
What are Zucchini Noodles?
Zucchini Noodles are zucchini squash that is spiralized into noodle shape. The easiest and most economical way to shape them is using a handheld spiralizer. The zucchini is hand twisted while feeding it through a blade. There are more elaborate spiralizers that can make different cuts such as thick, thin and ribbon. This comes in handy if you plan on really incorporating zucchini noodles into some of your pasta recipes.
Are Zucchini Noodles a healthy replacement for pasta?
Yes they most certainly are. One cup of cooked zucchini has 33 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. So net carbohydrates are even lower at 4 grams of carbohydrates. One cup of cooked penne pasta has 200 calories, 43 grams of carbohydrates and 2.5 grams of fiber. The difference is substantial for those trying to maintain a low carbohydrate diet. Zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals and one medium zucchini has less than 1 gram of fat.
How do you make Zucchini Noodles?
Start by trimming the ends off the zucchini. Feed the zucchini through a hand held spiralizer following the instructions and guidelines for the spiralizer.
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini and cook for two minutes tossing with a pair of tongs. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute tossing once again to get the garlic and zucchini noodles to the surface of the pan. Remove from the heat and toss in pepper and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt right before serving.
Helpful tips for Zucchini Noodles
- Choose small firm zucchini that will feed through the spiralizer well and hold up to some pressure as you twist it through.
- This recipe is best prepped, cooked and served within a very short period of time.
- Don’t overcook the noodles. Just a few minutes is all it takes. They are best served a little crisp tender.
- If the zucchini noodles exude a lot of moisture simply grab a lid and drain it off.
- Reserve seasoning with salt until the very end of the recipe. Salt will draw water out of the zucchini too fast.
- These noodles are best reserved for pasta recipes where the sauce and meat can be spooned over the noodles right before serving.
Other zucchini recipes you will love!
- Triple Cheese Sausage Zucchini Boats
- Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash
- Healthy Zucchini Soft “Taco” Tortilla Shells
Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini Noodles are a fun easy vegetable that is lightly seasoned and works as a noodle replacement. They are kid approved, easy to prep and quick to cook.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: side
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini (ends trimmed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Feed the zucchini through a hand held spiralizer following the instructions and guidelines for the spiralizer.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini and cook for 2 minutes tossing with a pair of tongs. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute tossing again to get the garlic and zucchini noodles to the surface of the pan. Remove from the heat and toss in pepper and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt right before serving.
Notes
Do not season with salt until right before serving.
Keywords: zoodles, vegetable noodles, low carb noodles, zucchini recipe, zucchini
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Such an easy, healthy, flavorful side dish!!! Zucchini is now on my grocery list!
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I’m just a bit skeptic when it comes to this zucchini spaghetti. Seems all my friends is trying it and I might just have to try this recipe.
Thank you for sharing this! I loved it! So easy!
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I love cooking with zucchini noodles. They’re delicious and great way to replace carbs with something more healthy.
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Its such an easy recipe im surprised ive never tried it before! It look so delicious, this might be what I make tonight!
Sounds like a great plan! Thanks Alex!
We love zucchini noodles in our home. We have a few different ways that we make them too.
Yum these look really good and healthy too so thats a winner!
Thanks so much Rachel!
I love how versatile these are! A great substitute for pasta as well.
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Even the kids will like these!
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This looks like a fun dish to serve kids. I wonder if mine will eat this, only one way to find out..to try making it
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I love making these noodles and my kids enjoy eating them too! It’s a fun way to sneak some veggies into their diet, as well!
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Yes indeed! Even my kiddos love them!!
I use courgettes in a lot of cooking, it is so versatile. This side dish looks amazing and so quick to make too. 🙂
Yes indeed! It is easy and delicious!
It looks so delicious and it is easy to make as well im sure my kids will love it.
Yes easy, delicious and health! I hope you and yours enjoy it!
This will be my kids new favorite food, it is easy to make so I might try this at home
That would great! I think they will love them!
i love courgette noodles, i like to mix them in with spaghetti so that it bulks it out
That is a great tip!
Everyone at home loves zucchini! I’ve never prepared them this way though, so I might try it next time.
As I imagine myself doing the dish, i could smell the flavor and aroma. WIll definitely do this at home as well.
Thanks so much! You are going to love it!!
These look so yummy! I love that they’re a fresh and low carb swap!
Me too Emily! They are delicious! You should try them!
I am looking for some low carb. options. This is perfect. I keep hearing about how zucchini noodles is a great alternative to pasta. Thank you for sharing.
This is such a healthy option. We love zucchini. We have a machine that cuts them.
Yes a much healthier alternative to pasta!
I was looking for something unique and good at the same time, am glad to have found this. Thanks for sharing.
OMGeeeee! This recipe sounds delicious! I’d love to give it a whirl sometime, and it seems pretty simple to follow (so even a crap cook like me wouldn’t balls it up LOL) x
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Wow that’s a nice idea for a psta alternative!
Thank you! They are delicious and easy!
What a great option for a healthier meal! My kids will love making these with me!
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What a terrific recipe for zucchini noodles! I have a brand new spiralizer still in the box I’ll have to take it out and try this recipe.
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The perfect summer dish! I love veggies so much! Yummy!
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This is perfect for the abundance of zucchini I have currently. A delicious and healthy way to enjoy your pasta dish.
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I definitely need to start replacing pasta with these!
This is definitely a fun and great way to use zucchini instead of pasta. And it’s delicious and healthy too. 🙂
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This is a great recipe and helped me become a fan of zucchini! Thanks for the tips and ideas, I’m now a zucchini noodle pro!
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This is the perfect way to add veggies to a meal but also lighten it up a little! Love it!
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We love using zucchini noodles when we are looking to lighten up meals! They are such an easy, healthy swap for pasta.
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