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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
