Zucchini Noodles are a super fun, easy, lightly seasoned vegetable that works as a gluten-free noodle or spaghetti replacement. This delicious side dish is kid approved, easy to prep, and quick to cook. From the refrigerator to the table in a little over ten minutes. Serve this tasty veggie with grilled chicken or grilled shrimp.
What are Zucchini Noodles?
Zucchini Noodles are zucchini squash spiralized into spaghetti or noodle shapes. A handheld spiralizer is the easiest and most economical way to shape them. The zucchini is hand twisted while feeding it through a blade. You will see the zoodles come out on the other side as you turn the handle. There are many types of spiralizers with different attachments that can make different cuts, such as thick, thin, and ribbon. This is handy if you plan on incorporating zucchini pasta into some of your recipes. Use zucchini noodles in your favorite pasta salad recipes, like pesto pasta salad.
Spiralizers also work on sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pears, apple, beets, and onions. You can also do much of this cutting and shaping with a julienne vegetable peeler. See here for how to use a julienne peeler.
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; one medium zucchini has less than 1 gram of fat.
How do you make Zucchini Noodles?
Start by trimming the ends of the zucchini. Feed the zucchini through a handheld spiralizer following the instructions and guidelines for the spiralizer.
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and cook for two minutes tossing with a pair of tongs. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, tossing once again to get the garlic and zucchini noodles to the pan’s surface. Remove from the heat and add freshly ground black pepper and Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Season with salt right before serving.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- 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.
- For optimal flavor, 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, grab a lid and drain them 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.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, stir fry on the stovetop.
More Veggie Recipes
Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Feed the zucchini through a handheld spiralizer following the instructions and guidelines for the spiralizer.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high 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 pan's surface.
- Remove from the heat and add freshly ground black pepper and Parmesan cheese. If you like a little heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes. Season with salt right before serving.
Notes
- Do not season with salt until right before serving.
- 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.
Nutrition
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Courtney
We love using zucchini noodles when we are looking to lighten up meals! They are such an easy, healthy swap for pasta.
Suzy
This is the perfect way to add veggies to a meal but also lighten it up a little! Love it!
Jenn
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!
Anita
This is definitely a fun and great way to use zucchini instead of pasta. And it’s delicious and healthy too. 🙂
Cathy
I definitely need to start replacing pasta with these!
Deseree
This is perfect for the abundance of zucchini I have currently. A delicious and healthy way to enjoy your pasta dish.
Catalina
The perfect summer dish! I love veggies so much! Yummy!
Kim
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.
Sara
What a great option for a healthier meal! My kids will love making these with me!
Jho
Wow that’s a nice idea for a psta alternative!
Beth Pierce
Thank you! They are delicious and easy!
Becca
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
John Mulindi
I was looking for something unique and good at the same time, am glad to have found this. Thanks for sharing.
Irina
This is such a healthy option. We love zucchini. We have a machine that cuts them.
Beth Pierce
Yes a much healthier alternative to pasta!
Sincerely Miss J
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.
Emily
These look so yummy! I love that they’re a fresh and low carb swap!
Beth Pierce
Me too Emily! They are delicious! You should try them!
berlin
As I imagine myself doing the dish, i could smell the flavor and aroma. WIll definitely do this at home as well.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! You are going to love it!!