Garlic parmesan zucchetti

Garlic Parmesan Zucchetti is a light dish made from spiralized zucchini, sautéed with garlic and tossed in olive oil, finished with Parmesan cheese. It's a quick and healthy alternative to pasta that's perfect for weeknight meals or as a side dish.

15 Feb 2026
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

4 zucchini
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp italian salad dressing
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper

Garlic Parmesan Zucchetti is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pasta. Made with fresh zucchini, this dish is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying side dish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly.
- Using a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or even a regular vegetable peeler, turn the zucchini into noodles (also known as "zoodles").
- Place the zoodles on a paper towel and lightly pat to remove excess moisture.

2. Cook the Garlic:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Cook the Zoodles:
- Add the zoodles to the skillet with the garlic and toss to coat in the garlic-infused oil.
- Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the zoodles are tender but still have a bit of crunch (al dente).

4. Season the Zoodles:
- Sprinkle the Italian salad dressing over the zoodles and toss to combine.
- Season with a dash of salt and a dash of black pepper, adjusting to taste.

5. Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Once the zoodles are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the zoodles and gently toss until the zoodles are evenly coated.

6. Serve:
- Transfer the Garlic Parmesan Zucchetti to serving plates.
- Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for added flavor and presentation.

7. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately as a main dish or as a side dish. This light and flavorful dish pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a fresh green salad.

Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Zucchetti as a nutritious and low-carb alternative to pasta. Its delightful combination of garlic, parmesan, and zucchini is sure to make it a favorite at your dining table. Remember, the key to this dish is to not overcook the zucchini, keeping it tender but firm for the best texture.

Garlic parmesan zucchetti FAQ:

How long does it take to cook the zoodles?

Cook the zoodles for about 3-5 minutes in the skillet. They should be tender yet still have a slight crunch (al dente) at the end of cooking.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute parmesan with cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

What is the best way to store leftover Garlic Parmesan Zucchetti?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture, as zoodles can become mushy.

Can I use different vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables such as carrots or sweet potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for different textures.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make Garlic Parmesan Zucchetti vegan, use a plant-based cheese alternative and omit the Parmesan. You can also enhance flavor with additional seasonings.

Cooking Tips:

- Use a spiralizer to make evenly sized zucchini noodles, which will cook more uniformly.

- Blot the zucchini noodles with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture. This prevents the dish from becoming too watery.

- Don't overcook the zucchini noodles as they tend to become soggy. Aim for tender-crisp.

- Add a touch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes.

- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated options.

- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the best texture and flavor of the dish.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 80kcal
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 2.08g
Sugar 5.00g
Fat 16g

Garlic parmesan zucchetti