Lemon-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes
Light and refreshing pasta alternative with zucchini ribbons, burst cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon-herb finish. This italian-inspired pasta (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium spiralized zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 3 medium spiralized zucchini
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 medium zest and juice lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add spiralized zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp and tomatoes begin to burst.
- Step 3: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while zucchini is still vibrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes 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.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
