Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.9 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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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.

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