Sautéed Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles
A light, flavorful stir-fry of zucchini noodles cooked in garlic butter with lemon zest, perfect as a side or base for protein. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium zucchini, avocado oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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 zucchini
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim ends off 2 medium zucchini and spiralize into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing constantly with tongs for 2 minutes until just tender but still crisp, then stir in 1 tsp butter, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, and 1/8 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Finish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil and cook for 30 seconds more until basil wilts and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles?
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 zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles?
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 Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles 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 Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
