Pan-Sear Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan
Crisp-tender zucchini slices coated in parmesan and garlic, roasted until golden for a low-carb side that pairs perfectly with any protein. This italian-inspired vegetarian (low-carb) ready in about 26 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, 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, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds zucchini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, grated parmesan, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Roast for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until zucchini edges are golden and tender when pierced with a fork.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Sear Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 26 minutes (10 min prep + 16 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 Pan-Sear Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Sear Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 Pan-Sear Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Sear Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 16-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
