The best Zucchini Noodles We’ve Made, or “zoodles,” are a light, fresh, and flavorful alternative to traditional pasta. Spiralized zucchini is quickly sautéed to the perfect tender-crisp texture and tossed with your favorite sauces, herbs, and toppings for a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether paired with a creamy pesto, a garlicky olive oil drizzle, or a hearty marinara, these noodles are a delicious way to enjoy a veggie-packed meal.
I first made Zucchini Noodles when I was looking for a low-carb pasta alternative, and they completely exceeded my expectations. The key to perfect zoodles is cooking them just enough to stay tender but not mushy, keeping that satisfying bite. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can dress it up with proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or keep it simple with fresh herbs and Parmesan.
What’s great about Zucchini Noodles is how easy they are to customize. Add chili flakes for a little heat, toss in sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor, or keep them raw for a crisp, refreshing salad. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making a quick weeknight dinner, these zoodles are a fresh, delicious, and wholesome way to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes!
Perfect for:
- Low-carb and keto diets
- Light and healthy meals
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Summer garden zucchini surplus
- Pasta lovers looking for a nutritious alternative
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Zucchini Noodles will be a go-to in your kitchen:
- Light and Refreshing: A great alternative to heavy pasta dishes.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Low in Carbs: A great option for keto and low-carb eaters.
- Full of Flavor: Garlic butter, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan create an irresistible combination.
- Uses Fresh Ingredients: A great way to enjoy garden-fresh zucchini.
- Perfect Side or Main Dish: Serve on its own or pair with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables, proteins, or spices to suit your taste.
- Beautiful Presentation: Bright colors and fresh ingredients make it a visually appealing dish.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare zucchini noodles ahead of time for easy meals.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Optional Garnish:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest
- Pine nuts
Ingredient Highlights
- Zucchini: Provides a low-carb pasta alternative that’s fresh and light.
- Garlic Butter: Enhances the dish with rich, savory flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- Spiralize the Zucchini: Use a spiralizer to create thin, noodle-like strands from the zucchini.
- Pat Dry: Place the zucchini noodles on a paper towel and gently press to remove excess moisture.
Cook the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Butter and Tomatoes: Stir in the butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
Cook the Zucchini Noodles:
- Add the Zoodles: Toss the zucchini noodles into the pan and cook for 2 minutes, just until heated through but still crisp.
- Season and Finish: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish: Divide into bowls and top with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to enjoy these Zucchini Noodles:
- With Grilled Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside steak, salmon, or roasted vegetables.
- With Shrimp or Scallops: Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
- With a Creamy Sauce: Mix in a spoonful of pesto or Alfredo sauce.
- Topped with a Poached Egg: A runny egg adds richness and flavor.
- With Fresh Mozzarella: Add mozzarella pearls for a caprese-style dish.
- With Avocado: Toss in diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- With Lemon Zest: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors.
- As a Cold Salad: Serve chilled for a refreshing summer dish.
- With Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.
Additional Tips
- Choose Firm Zucchini – Pick fresh, firm zucchini for the best texture. Soft or overly ripe zucchini can become mushy when cooked.
- Use a Spiralizer for Even Noodles – A spiralizer creates uniform, curly noodles that cook evenly. If you don’t have one, a julienne peeler or mandoline slicer works too.
- Pat Dry to Remove Excess Moisture – After spiralizing, lightly salt the noodles and let them sit for 10 minutes. Then, pat dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t Overcook – Zucchini noodles only need a quick sauté (1-2 minutes). Overcooking will make them watery and limp.
- Serve Immediately – Zoodles release water as they sit. For the best texture, serve them right after cooking.
- Use High Heat for a Quick Sauté – A hot pan helps evaporate excess moisture quickly, keeping the noodles crisp and tender.
- Pair with a Thick Sauce – Light, creamy, or pesto-based sauces work best. Watery sauces can make the zoodles soggy.
- Toss, Don’t Stir – When cooking, toss the noodles gently instead of stirring to avoid breaking them.
- Add Protein for a Satisfying Meal – Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a balanced dish.
- Try Them Raw for Extra Crunch – If you love crisp textures, skip the cooking and enjoy them raw with a flavorful dressing.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Zucchini Noodles: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Pesto Zoodles: Toss with basil pesto for an herby twist.
- Creamy Alfredo Zoodles: Stir in a light Alfredo sauce for a rich alternative.
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Zucchini Pad Thai: Use peanut sauce and crushed peanuts for an Asian-inspired dish.
- Asian Sesame Noodles: Toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger.
- Lemon Garlic Zoodles: Add lemon juice and zest for a citrusy touch.
- Beef Bacon and Parmesan Zoodles: Mix in crispy beef bacon for extra indulgence.
- Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and replace butter with olive oil.
- Mushroom and Spinach Zoodles: Sauté mushrooms and spinach for a hearty variation.
Special Equipment
- Spiralizer – For creating perfect zucchini noodles with ease.
- Mandoline Slicer – A great alternative for uniform, thin zucchini slices.
- Julienne Peeler – A simple tool to make noodle-like strips by hand.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – Essential for prepping and trimming zucchini.
- Cutting Board – Provides a stable surface for slicing and prepping.
- Large Skillet – Ideal for sautéing zucchini noodles without overcooking.
- Tongs – Helps toss and evenly cook the noodles in the pan.
- Salad Spinner – Removes excess moisture from zoodles before cooking.
- Colander – Drains water from freshly cut zucchini noodles.
- Paper Towels – Absorbs excess moisture to keep zoodles from getting soggy.
FAQ Section
- Can I make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer?
Yes! Use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to create thin strips. - How do I keep zucchini noodles from getting watery?
Pat them dry before cooking and avoid overcooking them. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the zucchini noodles in advance, but cook them just before serving. - Can I freeze zucchini noodles?
It’s not recommended, as they become mushy when thawed. - What other vegetables can I spiralize?
Try carrots, sweet potatoes, or cucumbers for different textures. - Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh basil provides the best flavor. - Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free. - Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, for a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast instead. - What protein pairs well with this dish?
Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even ground turkey work great. - Can I add a sauce to this?
Yes! Marinara, Alfredo, or pesto all work beautifully.
Conclusion
The Best Zucchini Noodles We’ve Made are light, fresh, and packed with flavor! These perfectly spiralized “zoodles” are a healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta, soaking up every bit of sauce while maintaining a satisfying bite. Whether tossed with garlic and olive oil, mixed with a creamy pesto, or paired with a rich marinara, these zucchini noodles are the perfect base for a delicious and nutritious meal.
To keep them from getting soggy, a quick sauté or a simple salt-and-drain method helps preserve their perfect texture. You can customize them with your favorite proteins, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra indulgence.
I can’t wait to see how your Zucchini Noodles turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this dish your own!