Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Herb-Infused Cream

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light yet satisfying dinner featuring zucchini noodles tossed with crispy bacon and a velvety sauce infused with fresh herbs. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium (400g) zucchini, (100g) bacon, (1/4 cup) heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.8 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim and spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles, placing them in a colander to drain for 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices bacon until crisp, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 2 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Step 3: Add 15ml olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 60ml heavy cream and 15g chopped fresh dill. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2-3 minutes until heated through, coating evenly with the sauce. Stir in 5g chopped fresh chives and season with 3g salt and 1g black pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Herb-Infused Cream take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 and Herb-Infused Cream?

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 (400g) zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Bacon and Herb-Infused Cream?

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 and Herb-Infused Cream 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 Crispy Bacon and Herb-Infused Cream 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.

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