02 May 2025
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.
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.
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.