Looking for a light and refreshing alternative to traditional pasta? This Zucchini Pasta is the answer! Made with spiralized zucchini, it’s a gluten-free, low-carb dish that delivers all the satisfaction of pasta without the heaviness. Whether you’re trying to eat lighter or just want a fresh take on a classic, zucchini pasta is the perfect solution.
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients—zucchini, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs—you can create a dish that’s full of flavor, but also light and nourishing. It’s the perfect meal for a warm evening when you want something quick and healthy, and it pairs beautifully with almost anything, from grilled chicken to roasted veggies.
Whether you’re a seasoned spiralizer or this is your first time experimenting with zucchini noodles, you’ll love how easy and versatile this dish is. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your meals without sacrificing flavor!
Zucchini Pasta: A Healthy Twist on Comfort Food
Zucchini Pasta, also known as zoodles, is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Made by spiralizing fresh zucchini into thin noodles, it has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of sauces. Whether you’re tossing it with marinara, pesto, or simply olive oil and garlic, this dish is a light, healthy option for pasta lovers.
The zucchini noodles are naturally gluten-free and low-calorie, making them a great choice for anyone looking to cut down on carbs or avoid gluten. And since zucchini is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, it’s a nutritious base for any meal.
A Family Favorite, Healthy and Delicious
When we first started making zucchini pasta, it was an instant hit in our home! My husband loves the fact that it’s so much lighter than regular pasta, and my kids actually enjoy the fun, curly shape of the zucchini noodles. I even find myself reaching for seconds, guilt-free, because it’s just that light and tasty.
We’ve tried it with all sorts of sauces—creamy, spicy, or even just a simple olive oil and Parmesan combo. No matter how we serve it, it always feels fresh and satisfying. And on nights when I’m in a rush, this dish is a lifesaver because it comes together in no time. It’s become our go-to for healthy, weeknight meals that don’t compromise on flavor.
Why This Zucchini Pasta?
- Light and Healthy: Low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients—perfect for a lighter meal option.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 15 minutes from start to finish!
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sauces and proteins, making it a flexible base for endless meals.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The zucchini noodles stay crisp, offering a light and refreshing alternative to traditional pasta.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Zoodles: Zucchini noodles cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and cook just until they soften slightly.
- Dry Your Zoodles: After spiralizing, lightly pat the zucchini noodles with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Add Sauce: Zucchini pasta pairs well with marinara, Alfredo, pesto, or a simple garlic and olive oil sauce.
- Vegan Option: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly cheesy flavor.
- Add Veggies: Mix in other spiralized vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
- Creamy Version: Add a dollop of ricotta or mix in a bit of cream for a richer version.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Lower Calorie: Zucchini noodles are already lower in calories than traditional pasta, but you can skip the cheese for an even lighter dish.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your toppings and sauces to ensure they are too.
- Keto-Friendly: Zucchini noodles are perfect for keto diets, and you can use high-fat sauces like Alfredo for added richness.
And there you have it!
A fresh and easy zucchini pasta dish that’s not only healthy but full of flavor. This is the perfect recipe for when you’re craving pasta but want to keep things light. Let us know how your zoodles turn out, and be sure to experiment with different sauces and toppings!
PrintZucchini Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Looking for a light and refreshing alternative to traditional pasta? This Zucchini Pasta is the answer! Made with spiralized zucchini, it’s a gluten-free, low-carb dish that delivers all the satisfaction of pasta without the heaviness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 cups (27 oz) zucchini grated with the large holes of a box grater
- 1 teaspoon oregano or thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta rotini, fusilli, farfalle, penne, or other
- 3 cups vegetable broth start with 2 cups or 500 g and add more if necessary
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated, or dairy-free cheese
- ½ cup greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- ¼ packed cup basil leaves
Garnish with
- 1 medium lemon the grated zest
- 2 tablespoons pinenuts
Instructions
If the pot dries, add more liquid until the pasta is ready.
Add grated parmesan cheese (or dairy-free cheese), greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt), and a handful of chopped fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4