Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, zucchini noodles tossed in a savory garlic-herb sauce with nutty Parmesan for a satisfying low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium (24 oz), spiralized zucchini, butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place spiralized zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Let sit for 5 minutes to release excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the dried zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano cheese, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until cheese melts and coats the noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles?

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 butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles?

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 Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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