Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Parmesan
Creamy, garlicky zucchini noodles tossed with melted Parmesan and fresh basil, perfect for a low-carb meal. This italian-inspired keto ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium zucchini, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 oz, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet, season with 1/4 tsp salt, and toss for 2 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove from heat, stir in 4 oz grated Parmesan until melted, and fold in 1/4 cup chopped basil. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Parmesan 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 Parmesan?
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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Parmesan?
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 Parmesan 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Parmesan?
Italian keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.