Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of creamy, garlicky goodness that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy. This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Zucchini Noodles is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, offering a perfect blend of classic pasta comfort and fresh, vibrant vegetables. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just looking to add more excitement to your meal prep, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied without the heavy carb guilt.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of spaghetti, 2 medium zucchinis, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 4 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese for serving.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the zucchini noodles. Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles from the two medium zucchinis. If you do not have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips or a mandoline for uniform noodles.
- In a large skillet, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Gently toss the spaghetti in the garlic butter to coat it evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Next, add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until the zucchini noodles are warmed through but still slightly crisp.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- To serve, divide the garlic butter spaghetti with zucchini noodles among four plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Zucchini Noodles, a light and flavorful Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Spiralizer Secrets: If you don't own a spiralizer, don't worry! A vegetable peeler or mandoline can work just as well for creating zucchini noodles.
- Garlic Watch: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing. Medium heat and constant attention will ensure a fragrant, golden result.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- Zucchini Crispness: Toss zucchini noodles quickly to maintain their crisp texture. Overcooking will make them mushy and watery.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can't compare to the real thing!
- Customization Tip: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 436kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 51mg
