Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cream Cheese

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, garlicky noodle dish made with spiralized zucchini and melted cream cheese, perfect for a quick keto dinner. This italian-inspired vegetarian (low-carb, keto) ready in about 20 minutes pairs zucchini, cream cheese, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 24 oz zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 24 oz zucchini noodles to skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 4 oz cream cheese until melted and smooth, then add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cream Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cream Cheese?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cream Cheese?

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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cream Cheese 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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cream Cheese low-carb?

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

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