Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon
Light, noodle-free zucchini strands tossed with crispy bacon and garlic in a savory sauce. This italian-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs zucchini, bacon, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 1, 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
- 1.5 cups zucchini
- 2 oz bacon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 1.5 cups zucchini into noodles and pat dry with paper towels. Cook 2 oz diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (5-6 minutes), then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp olive oil to the same skillet, then add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add zucchini noodles to skillet and toss for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still firm. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp grated parmesan, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 oz crispy bacon. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (12 min prep + 8 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 Crispy Bacon?
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 Crispy Bacon?
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 Crispy Bacon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Crispy Bacon 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
