Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy zucchini noodles tossed in garlic-infused olive oil, finished with a generous sprinkle of nutty parmesan for a satisfying low-carb alternative to pasta. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 17 minutes pairs zucchini, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 145 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 12 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 American cuisine 145 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 4 medium zucchinis (about 2 lbs) into noodles and place in a colander. Let drain for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp dried oregano. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add drained zucchini noodles to skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm to the bite.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts and coats noodles evenly.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 17 minutes (12 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 Parmesan and Garlic?

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 Parmesan and Garlic?

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 Parmesan and Garlic 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 Parmesan and Garlic 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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