Cheesy Zucchini Ribbons with Hidden Spinach Pasta Sauce
Creamy, veggie-rich pasta alternative with zucchini noodles and a smooth spinach-infused cheese sauce that kids eat straight from the bowl. This italian-inspired kid friendly (vegan option) ready in about 25 minutes blends medium zucchini, fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into thin ribbons (about 1/8-inch thick) and set aside. In a blender, combine spinach, garlic, and 1/4 cup chicken broth; blend until completely smooth and vibrant green, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cornstarch and whisk for 15 seconds until golden. Gradually whisk in the strained spinach mixture and remaining broth until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add mozzarella cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Toss in zucchini ribbons and cook for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Zucchini Ribbons with Hidden Spinach Pasta Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Zucchini Ribbons with Hidden Spinach Pasta Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Zucchini Ribbons with Hidden Spinach Pasta Sauce?
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 Ribbons with Hidden Spinach Pasta Sauce 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 Ribbons with Hidden Spinach Pasta Sauce vegan option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better kid friendly dishes though.
