Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
Transform fresh, vibrant zucchini into a delicious and nutritious pasta alternative with this Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles recipe. Utilizing a spiralizer, you'll create long, tender strands of zucchini that are light yet satisfying. The noodles are seasoned with garlic and finished with rich, creamy Parmesan cheese, making this dish a flavorful addition to any meal. Perfect as a healthy side or a main course, these zucchini noodles are low in calories but high in taste, providing a guilt-free way to indulge in your favorite pasta flavors without the carbs.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
6 (spiralized)
salt
2 teaspoons (for draining)
margarine or butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
garlic clove
1 (minced (optional))
grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Using a spiralizer or mandolin, cut the zucchini into noodle-like strands.
2
Place the zucchini noodles in a colander, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of salt, and let them drain for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3
While the noodles are draining, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
4
Once boiling, add the zucchini noodles and cook for just 1 minute to slightly soften. Drain the noodles and then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5
In a large skillet, melt the margarine or butter over medium-high heat.
6
If using, finely mince the garlic clove and add it to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant—about 1 minute.
7
Add the drained zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the garlic, cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until just tender.
8
Season the zucchini noodles with additional salt and pepper to taste.
9
Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to make zucchini noodles?
The best way to create zucchini noodles is by using a spiralizer or a mandolin to cut the zucchini into long, noodle-like strands.
Why do I need to salt the zucchini noodles before cooking?
Salting the zucchini noodles and letting them drain for 30 minutes helps remove excess moisture, which prevents the dish from becoming watery.
How long should I boil the zucchini noodles?
Zucchini noodles should be boiled for just 1 minute to slightly soften them without making them mushy.
Should I rinse the noodles after boiling?
Yes, rinsing them under cold water immediately after boiling stops the cooking process and keeps the texture firm.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 3 tablespoons of margarine or butter to sauté the noodles.
Is the garlic mandatory in this recipe?
The garlic is optional, but it is highly recommended for adding a fragrant and savory depth to the Parmesan sauce.
How long do I sauté the noodles in the skillet?
Sauté the drained zucchini noodles for about 5 minutes until they are just tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, since it uses zucchini as the 'pasta' and does not contain wheat, it is naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano for a similar salty profile or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use a vegan margarine or olive oil instead of butter and a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before spiralizing?
No, it is best to leave the skin on for better texture, nutritional value, and vibrant color.
Can I store leftovers of zucchini noodles?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but they may release more water upon reheating.
What is the best way to reheat zoodles?
Reheating is best done quickly in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes to maintain their texture.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, yellow summer squash works perfectly as a substitute or a colorful addition to the zucchini.
Is this dish considered low-carb?
Yes, zucchini noodles are an excellent low-carb and keto-friendly alternative to traditional grain pasta.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely, grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or tofu are great protein additions that pair well with garlic and Parmesan.
What tools can I use if I don't have a spiralizer?
You can use a julienne peeler, a standard vegetable peeler to make 'ribbons', or a knife to cut thin matchstick strips.
How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy?
The key is to salt them first, drain them well, and avoid overcooking—boil for only one minute and sauté just until tender.
Should I use fresh or bottled garlic?
Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but bottled minced garlic can be used for convenience.
What type of salt should I use for draining?
Standard table salt or sea salt works well to draw out the moisture.
Can I skip the boiling step?
Yes, you can skip boiling and sauté the raw, salted/drained noodles directly in the skillet for a slightly crunchier texture.
Can I freeze these noodles?
Freezing is not recommended as zucchini has a high water content and the noodles will become very mushy when thawed.
What size zucchini is best for noodles?
Medium-sized zucchinis are best because they are easier to spiralize and have fewer large seeds than oversized ones.
Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
Yes, fresh basil, parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes would complement the garlic and Parmesan perfectly.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe. Note that some strict vegetarians check if their Parmesan uses microbial rennet.
How do I make the noodles more flavorful?
Ensure you sauté the garlic until fragrant before adding the noodles, and don't be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper.
Does this recipe work with a mandolin?
Yes, a mandolin with a julienne blade can create uniform, thin zucchini strands similar to a spiralizer.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter/margarine?
Yes, olive oil is a healthy substitute that works well for sautéing the garlic and zucchini.
What is the total preparation time?
Including the 30-minute draining time, the total process takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.