Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a deliciously light and healthy dish? Enter Zucchini Noodles, affectionately known as Zoodles! This Italian-inspired recipe is not only a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, but it's also a breeze to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply want a quick weeknight meal, these vibrant, spiralized noodles tossed in garlic and olive oil are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a fresh, flavorful dish that's both nutritious and utterly satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler, transform the zucchinis into long, thin noodle-like strands. If using a spiralizer, secure the zucchini and rotate to create continuous noodles. If using a julienne peeler, carefully drag the peeler along the length of the zucchini to create thin strips.
- Place the zucchini noodles on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the zoodles from becoming watery during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing gently with tongs to coat with garlic and oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the zoodles are slightly softened but still retain a crisp texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Avoid overcooking, as zoodles can quickly become mushy.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the light, fresh, and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta.
Tips
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Opt for medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and free from blemishes. They will yield the best texture for your zoodles.
- Pat Dry: After spiralizing, make sure to pat the zucchini noodles dry with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to soggy zoodles.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time! Zoodles only need about 2-3 minutes in the skillet to achieve the perfect al dente texture. Overcooking can result in mushy noodles.
- Add Flavor: Experiment with additional seasonings or herbs such as red pepper flakes, oregano, or thyme to elevate the flavor profile of your dish.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the toppings! Freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil not only enhance the presentation but also add layers of flavor to your zoodles.
- Pair it Up: Consider serving your zoodles with a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal that still keeps it light and healthy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
