Cheesy Zucchini 'Noodles' with Hidden Spinach
A low-carb twist on classic mac and cheese where zucchini noodles are hidden under a rich, spinach-infused cheese sauce. This american-inspired pasta (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium zucchini, shredded mozzarella cheese, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups, packed fresh spinach
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 3 medium zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer, then toss with 1/4 tsp salt to draw out moisture. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly, then slowly add 1/2 cup heavy cream while whisking constantly.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups packed fresh spinach, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Add the zucchini noodles to the saucepan and gently toss until coated. Cook for 2 minutes over low heat until noodles are tender but still hold shape, stirring gently to avoid breaking.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Zucchini 'Noodles' with Hidden Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Zucchini 'Noodles' with Hidden Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Zucchini 'Noodles' with Hidden Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Zucchini 'Noodles' with Hidden Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cheesy Zucchini 'Noodles' with Hidden Spinach low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
