Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic
A vibrant, crunchy pasta alternative featuring zucchini ribbons tossed in a garlic-herb oil. Zero carbs from pasta, just 35 calories per serving. This italian-inspired vegetarian (low-carb, vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 35 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
- 4 medium (about 2 lbs), spiralized zucchini
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2, thinly sliced lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 4 medium spiralized zucchini noodles (about 2 lbs) and toss for 3 minutes until just tender-crisp, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 thinly sliced lemon, then serve immediately while warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic?
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 minced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Garlic?
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 with Garlic 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 with Garlic low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
