Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Pine Nuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh zucchini noodles tossed in garlic-infused oil with toasted pine nuts for a light, crunchy vegetable side. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (1.5 lb total), spiralized zucchini, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.7 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil, add spiralized zucchini noodles, and cook 2-3 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Step 3: Add drained zucchini noodles to skillet and toss with garlic oil for 2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp pine nuts and cook 1 minute until golden and aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Pine Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Pine Nuts?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Pine Nuts?

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 Pine Nuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pine Nuts vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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