Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Pine Nuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, vibrant pasta alternative featuring spiralized zucchini coated in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with toasted pine nuts for crunch. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 23 minutes pairs medium zucchini, extra virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing gently for 2 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the noodles and stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Toast 2 tbsp pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2 minutes until golden and aromatic, then sprinkle over the noodles and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Pine Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Pine Nuts?

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 Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Pine Nuts?

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 Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Pine Nuts 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 Lemon-Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Pine Nuts gluten-free?

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

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