Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Flakes

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A quick and fresh Whole30 dish of spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a garlicky, chili-infused olive oil sauce, perfect for a light and satisfying meal. This Whole30 recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs medium zucchinis, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 3 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but garlic is not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet along with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss and cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts if using for added texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Flakes?

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 zucchinis from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Flakes?

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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Flakes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili Flakes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian, gluten free, 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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