Keto Cheesy Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy zucchini noodles tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with melted Parmesan, ready in under 15 minutes. This italian-inspired vegetarian (low carb, vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium, spiralized zucchini, butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet, season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender but still firm.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and evenly distributed. Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if desired, then remove from heat immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Keto Cheesy Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 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 Keto Cheesy Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter?

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, spiralized zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Cheesy Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter?

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 Keto Cheesy Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Keto Cheesy Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, 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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