In this post, we will be discussing fresh zucchini noodles, including the best methods to prep and store, how to cook, and ideas of what foods to serve with these “zoodles,” or “zucchini spaghetti.”
You will love the Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles recipe included in this post.
Easy to make and ready in minutes, fresh zucchini noodles are a healthy alternative to traditional pasta and are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Naturally gluten free, low carb, and keto friendly, a win for everyone!
Pair with our Low Carb Keto Meatballs or Easy Marry Me Chicken
Jump to:
- Why you'll love zucchini noodles
- Best methods to make zucchini noodles
- Garlic parmesan zucchini noodle ingredients
- How to make garlic parmesan zucchini noodles
- Best Tips
- Serving suggestions
- What are the best cheeses to serve with Zucchini noodles?
- Storage instructions
- Store bought zucchini noodles
- Best pairings
- 📖 Recipe
Why you'll love zucchini noodles
This versatile noodle alternative can be served as a light, fresh fare during the summer months, or paired with accompaniments for a rich and satiating meal any time of year.
Hydrating and low in calories, zoodles are a healthy alternative to traditional pasta and a perfect dish for healthy eating.
The perfect base to top with your favorite sauces, cheeses, seafood, meats, legumes, or vegetables.
The tools used to create zucchini noodles are simple to use and easy to clean.
If you enjoy preparing goodies with wholesome ingredients try our Keto Chocolate Zucchini Muffins.
Best methods to make zucchini noodles
The sharp blades on these kitchen tools make it easy to slice through the soft flesh of the zucchini. Always use caution when handling and using these tools. We recommend using a food safety holder when using a mandoline slicer or box grater.
Julienne Peeler - A handheld tool that creates approximately 2 to 3-inch stick "noodles." An example of a julienne peeler is pictured below.
Spiralizer - To create spiralized noodles you can use a countertop spiralizer, a handheld spiralizer, or a spiralizer attachment for a food processor. The electric attachment for a food processer is one of the best methods and one of the easy ways.
Veggie spiralizers deliver longer, spiraled "noodles." A handheld spiralizer is pictured below.
Box Grater - A tabletop tool that can be positioned horizontally or vertically on a sturdy surface to create "noodles." Hold the zucchini lengthwise when using a box grater, handheld grater, or mandoline slicer.
Mandoline Slicer - Handheld or tabletop. Using a mandoline slicer creates wider noodles that can be sliced lengthwise into "noodles" with a knife.
Some Mandoline slicers come with multiple blades for slicing zucchini into thin strips. We use a mandoline to make the perfect lasagna noodles in our keto zucchini lasagna recipe.
Our favorite way is with a countertop spiralizer. The best way is whatever feels easiest to you.
Garlic parmesan zucchini noodle ingredients
Fresh Zucchini - We used a tabletop spiralizer in this recipe. You can substitute peeled, or grated fresh zucchini. (please see the types of tools to use above).
Avocado oil - Any oil of your choice can be used. Using a heavier oil, such as olive oil, will change the end product of this dish. Please see the tips later in the post for a discussion on oils.
Minced Garlic - Adds depth of flavor to this dish.
Salt and Black pepper - For seasoning.
Red pepper flakes (optional) - To add heat. Red pepper flakes are optional and should be sprinkled on (to taste) as desired.
Grated parmesan cheese - For garnish. Adds an umami flavor and nuttiness to this dish. Any hard cheese, or your preferred cheese can be used to garnish.
Lemon wedges - Lemon juice squeezed before serving will brighten all of the flavors in this dish. For a stronger lemon flavor, you can add some lemon zest.
If you have any questions about the ingredients in our recipe please leave a comment below and we will get back to you.
For another great zucchini recipe, try our keto zucchini bread.
How to make garlic parmesan zucchini noodles
Once your fresh zucchini noodles are prepped and ready to cook:
Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant.
Increase to medium-high heat and add the noodles. Cook for about 2 minutes, constantly tossing gently with kitchen tongs, until the water releases from the zucchini and it begins to feel tender.
Remove the pan from the heat and transfer to a fine mesh strainer to drain off as much water as possible.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese. Add crushed red pepper flakes and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as desired.
Please see the printable recipe card below for specific measurements of the ingredients and instructions on how to make.
For a dessert option, you might like our low carb blueberry dump cake or keto pudding.
If you have a question on any of these steps please comment below and we will get back to you.
Best Tips
How to prevent Zucchini Noodles from getting soggy
Best tips on cooking method:
- Cook fast on medium-high heat with oil
- Do not cover pan
- Avoid adding salt until cooked and plated
- Do not overcook
- Enjoy right after cooking (instead of allowing them to sit out for too long).
We follow these tips when making our sauteed zucchini recipe.
If you prepped your noodles in advance, they will begin to release moisture. Gently press the noodles with an absorbent towel to dry them off prior to cooking.
If you are able to prep the zoodles a day prior, or earlier in the day, store them in an airtight container lined with an absorbent towel or paper towels. This will capture the moisture that will be released and help to "dry out" your noodles before cooking.
"Sweating" the zucchini will also remove water prior to cooking. If you choose to perform this as an additional step, place your raw zucchini noodles into a strainer or colander (place a bowl or tray underneath to catch any moisture that is released) and sprinkle with salt. Wait 20-30 minutes and then place noodles onto an absorbent towel and blot to dry.
We love pairing these zucchini noodles with Italian inspired dishes like our crispy keto chicken parmesan and easy keto shrimp scampi.
Serving suggestions
Zucchini noodles are incredibly versatile. Use them as a base for your favorite pasta sauce, a side for main dishes, or as a full meal with your choice of garnish.
They can be consumed raw, particularly thinly sliced or spiralized. Adding pesto sauce and a drizzle of olive oil can have a delicious result! A quick stir in a hot pan (about 20-30 seconds) can produce a type of al dente "noodle."
For meat lovers, layer with meatballs, grilled chicken, sliced steak, or pork tenderloin.
If you love seafood, pair with shrimp, fish, scallops, calamari, mussels, or chopped clams.
Make them into comfort food! Pour a delicious melted cheese sauce to create a zoodles "mac and cheese" type dish.
A great way to replace the noodles in your favorite homemade or takeout noodle bowl. Add them to chicken soup or vegetable soup as a healthy "noodle" alternative.
What are the best cheeses to serve with Zucchini noodles?
Hard cheeses add rich flavor and texture to this dish.
Parmesan cheese will lend a complex flavor - a nutty, umami taste. We love this cheese in our Parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts recipe.
Pecorino cheese is a hard cheese made with sheeps milk (sometimes goat milk is mixed in with the sheeps milk) and will add a saltiness to this dish.
Pecorino Romano is another option. It has a bolder taste than Parmesan and has been described as having an earthy, tangy flavor.
Storage instructions
Uncooked fresh zucchini noodles can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container that is lined with an absorbent towel - as zucchini will begin to release moisture once it has been sliced or spiralized.
We have not tried storing uncooked zucchini noodles beyond one day, but other chefs have shared that they can be successfully stored for up to 3 days.
Ideally, once cooked they should be enjoyed right away. If it is necessary for you to store follow the method stated above of storing them in a towel-lined, airtight container in the refrigerator.
To freeze:
Place the cooked or uncooked zoodles in a freezer bag and press out as much air as possible before sealing. Lay flat in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months.
To defrost:
Boil the frozen zucchini noodles for one minute. Remove from the boiling water using a metal strainer, gently blot by placing onto an absorbent towel. Then cook as per instructions.
Store bought zucchini noodles
We recommend making your own, as fresh is best and the prep is fast and easy even with the most basic kitchen tools.
That being said, supermarkets are stocking an increasing number of brands of pre-cut zucchini noodles. Follow all instructions on the package and keep in mind the tips in this post, as managing water content is important.
Green Giant Organic Zucchini Spirals(Costco)
Good and Gather Zucchini Spirals (Target)
Tattooed Chef Zucchini Spirals (Walmart)
Trader Joe's Zucchini Spirals (Trader Joe's)
If you give this Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles recipe a try with store bought noodles, let us know how it came out and which brand you think is best!
Best pairings
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📖 Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 medium zucchini spiralized
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the zucchini noodles. Cook for about 2 minutes, constantly tossing gently with kitchen tongs, until the water releases from the zucchini and it begins to feel tender.
- Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the noodles to a fine mesh strainer to drain off as much of the water as possible. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste. Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper.
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