Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles Pasta
A creamy, dairy-free pasta made with zucchini noodles and cashew ricotta, topped with roasted garlic and herbs. This italian-inspired pasta (low-carb, dairy-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium (250g) zucchini, (soaked for 30 minutes) cashews, (grated) parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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
- 2 medium (250g) zucchini
- 1/2 cup (soaked for 30 minutes) cashews
- 1/4 cup (grated) parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup (fresh) spinach
- 10 small (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (chopped) fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles; set aside. In a blender, combine 1/2 cup cashews, 1/4 cup parmesan, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup spinach and 10 cherry tomatoes; cook for 3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 3: Toss zucchini noodles with the cashew ricotta mixture until coated. Add cooked spinach-tomato mixture and 1/4 cup fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles Pasta?
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 (250g) zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles Pasta?
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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles Pasta 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles Pasta low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, dairy-free 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.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
