Zoodles – (or zucchini noodles) are healthy and low carb while being rich and creamy. Best of all, these zucchini noodles are ready in about 3 minutes! They make the perfect easy snack or meal. We love serving them alongside a juicy slice of meatloaf or Oven Baked Chicken Breasts!
What are Zoodles? Zoodles are a simple keto side dish made using a spiralizer to create ribbons or noodles out of zucchini. They are easy to make (you can use a vegetable peeler if you don’t have a spiralizer) and are ready in no time flat.
A simple creamy sauce (that is not loaded with fat or heavy cream) is the perfect way to dress these for a healthy yet decadent dish!
How To Make Zoodles
You don’t need to worry about peeling the zucchini before you spiralize it for this recipe. The skin softens up when it is cooked and adds a ton of color and of course nutrients to the dish!
Zoodle Maker
Zoodles are super easy, simply place your zucchini on a spiralizer and spin it to make noodles! If you don’t have one handy, peel thin strips of zucchini using a veggie peeler. You can get a spiralizer for about $20 on Amazon so they’re pretty affordable.
Keep in mind, zucchini is 96% water, so if zoodles get overcooked, they can become watery. You can find tips to make the best ever Zucchini Noodles here.
How To Cook Zoodles
You can decide which method you’d like to use to cook zoodles but to be honest, a quick cook in a hot skillet/frying pan is my favorite! They only take a few minutes, when cooking zoodles you more want to think of it as “wilting” instead of cooking them.
If you don’t have access to the stove top (for an office lunch for example), you can microwave zoodles in the microwave for 2-3 minutes covered. You’ll want to add all ingredients at the beginning to allow the cream cheese to melt.
This method is great if you need to save stovetop space but keep in mind you just want to soften them, not necessarily cook them through.
Can You Freeze Zoodles
Kind of.
You can easily Freeze Zucchini for use in baking or casseroles.
Zoodles will change in texture and get a bit soggy when frozen. If I freeze zoodles, I tend to chop them up and use them in soups, stews or casseroles instead of as “noodles”.
Store them in the freezer for up to a year in a sealed freezer bag or container. If you’ve already added them to the cream sauce, no worries, the cream cheese also freezes well.
This zoodle recipe is so easy to get creative with! You can add whatever you’d like into them or replace the pasta in your favorite pasta in dishes like roasted cherry tomato pasta. Zucchini noodles have a mild flavor so they make a great base for Easy Chicken Parmesan too!
Zucchini noodles with shrimp is one of my favorites, but mushrooms, chili flakes, pesto, tomatoes, and grilled chicken are all great add ins. In just a couple minutes, these zoodles are ready to eat!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats – Easy weeknight meal!
- Crispy Zucchini Fries – Delicious appetizer idea
- Grilled Zucchini – Fresh
- Shrimp Stir Fry with Zucchini Noodles – the perfect meal!
- Easy Baked Zucchini – Reader favorite!
Easy Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons spreadable cream cheese plain or herb & garlic flavor
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese
- parsley and parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
Instructions
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Cut the ends of the zucchini and spiralize using the medium noodle blade (not the smallest noodle).
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Preheat olive oil over medium high heat. Add zucchini noodles and garlic powder (no salt). Cook 3-5 minutes, stirring tongs until slightly softened/wilted.
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Move noodles to one side and add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Toss with zoodles and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stir in grated parmesan cheese. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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I’m so glad I found your recipe!! I am on a Zoodles “kick” lol, and this one is my new favorite!!
I added Romano cheese (my fav) and I had one basil leaf left and added it. So so good!
I am going to add other healthy things to this dish (like some protein). Such a winner.
Can’t thank you enough for sharing with us!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Linda!
Oh my HOLY GOD these are amazing!! Where has this recipe been all my life?? It’s unbelievable that something that tastes so good is so low in calories! I seriously feel like I am eating real Alfredo. I used laughing cow Asiago flavor and lots of Parmesan and this is to die for. I need more recipes like this in my life!
Made the Easy Zoodles as an Easter side dish. Everyone loved them! It was a simple, very tasty dish and it will remain in my line-up as a quick dish for us as well a good one for pot lucks at our boat club and camping.
OMG this is so delicious and easy while being healthy and low calorie. Next time I will try the microwave method. This is my new fav!
Love this dish, so easy and low in calories. Served with grilled chicken tenders, amazing dinner.