Creamy Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Herbs
This dish swaps traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) tossed in a creamy garlic sauce and finished with fresh herbs. It’s low-carb, fresh, and flavorful — perfect as a light main course or as a side to grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
4 medium zucchinis, spiralized (or store-bought zoodles)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or chives, chopped
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prep the Zoodles
Spiralize zucchinis (or use pre-spiralized).
Pat lightly with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Saute garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t brown).
Stir in cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese (if using).
Simmer gently 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
Cook the Zoodles
Add zucchini noodles to the skillet.
Toss gently in the sauce for 2–3 minutes until just tender (don’t overcook or they’ll get watery).
Finish with Herbs
Stir in fresh parsley, basil, and dill/chives.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Serve
Garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
For more body, mix half zucchini noodles and half spaghetti.
To keep it from getting watery, salt zoodles lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes before cooking, then pat dry.
Add protein: grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas pair perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes — use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate up to 1 day. Reheat gently to avoid mushiness.
Q: What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
You can use a julienne peeler or buy pre-spiralized zucchini.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 9g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g