Skinny Garlic Parmesan Zoodles
Don’t let the ease of this recipe fool you, it’s sooo dreamy good. I love this so much, I make it several times a week. Not only does this decadent tasting recipe make a wonderful side dish to chicken, beef, pork or fish. It also works wonders as a substitute for pasta topped with any pasta sauce. Each serving has 135 calories and 8 grams of fat.Have you tried making zoodles, yet? They’re noodles made from zucchini instead of using pasta. They are amazingly easy to make once you buy an inexpensive zoodle maker. Check out my shopping tips below for where to buy one.
Why You’ll Love Skinny Garlic Parmesan Zoodles
Skinny Garlic Parmesan Zoodles offer a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional pasta dishes. They're perfect for those watching their weight or following a low-carb diet. Spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) are a healthy base, packed with vitamins and low in calories. The simple combination of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and light sauce that coats the zoodles without being heavy. It's a guilt-free indulgence that allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors of pasta in a healthier way.Ingredients for Skinny Garlic Parmesan Zoodles
Main Ingredient:- 2 large zucchini (12 ounces total to make 4 cups zoodles): Zucchini is the star of the show! It's spiralized into thin, noodle-like strands called zoodles, providing a healthy base for the dish. Zucchini is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a perfect choice for those watching their weight or following a low-carb diet. It also offers essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil adds a touch of healthy fat and helps to saute the garlic, infusing it with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Minced garlic is the key flavor component in this dish. It provides a warm, pungent aroma and a savory taste that complements the zucchini and Parmesan cheese beautifully.
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A tiny amount of crushed red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a bit of a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference or omit it entirely.
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated (no cheese for Paleo diet): Parmesan cheese adds a salty and umami element that takes the flavor profile to the next level. It creates a creamy and rich sauce that coats the zoodles without being heavy. Note: If you're following a Paleo diet, simply omit the cheese for a delicious and dairy-free version.
How to Make Skinny Garlic Parmesan Zoodles
Preparing the Zoodles:- Spiralize the Zucchini: The recipe calls for preparing the zoodles beforehand. You can use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to create thin, noodle-like strands from the zucchini.
- Microwave the Zoodles: Place the prepared zoodles in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook them on high for about 2 minutes, or until they are softened to your liking. Microwaving is a quick and convenient way to cook the zoodles, but be sure not to overcook them as they can become mushy.
- Sauté the Garlic and Spice: While the zoodles are cooking, heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Saute for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Combine and Heat: Add the softened zoodles to the pan with the garlic and oil. Toss everything together to combine and heat the zoodles through for another 30 seconds or so.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the zoodles in the pan and toss to coat them evenly. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a touch of creaminess and salty flavor.
Helpful Tips About this Recipe
Prep Tips
The best and easiest way to make zoodles is with the Veggeti Spriral Vegetable Slicer. See shopping tips. If you don’t want to buy one, you can use a julienne peeler, vegetable peeler or mandolin. Using a vegetable peeler will make your noodles much wider but will still taste good.
Shopping Tips
Although there are many zoodle makers on the market, the easiest one to use and most inexpensive one is called Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer, Makes Veggie Pasta. It costs about $10. Click on the link to buy it on Amazon.com This is my new favorite zoodle maker. Also very easy to use.
Veggetti Pro Table-Top Spiralizer, Quickly Spiral Slice Vegetables into Healthy Veggie Pasta WW Freestyle SmartPoints 3-Blue
WW SmartPoints 3-Green
The best and easiest way to make zoodles is with the Veggeti Spriral Vegetable Slicer. See shopping tips. If you don’t want to buy one, you can use a julienne peeler, vegetable peeler or mandolin. Using a vegetable peeler will make your noodles much wider but will still taste good.
Shopping TipsAlthough there are many zoodle makers on the market, the easiest one to use and most inexpensive one is called Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer, Makes Veggie Pasta. It costs about $10. Click on the link to buy it on Amazon.com This is my new favorite zoodle maker. Also very easy to use.
Veggetti Pro Table-Top Spiralizer, Quickly Spiral Slice Vegetables into Healthy Veggie Pasta WW Freestyle SmartPoints 3-Blue
WW SmartPoints 3-Green
| SKINNY FACTS: for 1 serving 135 calories, 8g fat, 1g sat. fat, 2mg chol, 4g prot, 16g carbs, 5g fiber, 58mg sod, 6g sugar |
| FACTS: for SmartPoints 77 calories, 1g sat. fat, 0g sugar, 1g protein |
Skinny Garlic Parmesan Zoodles
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini (12 ounces total to make 4 cups zoodles)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated (no cheese for Paleo diet)
Instructions
- Prepare the zoodles. See prep and shopping tips, below. Place zoodles in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in microwave for about 2 minutes, until soft.
- In a large, nonstick pan, heat olive oil. Add garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Stir in softened zoodles. Toss to combine and heat about 30 seconds or so until hot and coated. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Divide zoodles among 2 small plates or bowls and spread out a bit. Sprinkle each serving with 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Serving: 2cupsCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 58mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gBlue Smart Points: 3Green Smart Points: 3Plus Points: 4
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
what is the ww point value for purple? and is there a reason for not publshing the purke plan???
I’m so sorry Kathleen, but at this point, I’m only including Blue and Green points. For all of these years, I’ve used a different program than WW to input all of my recipes to do the nutrition facts and points
I have hundreds of recipes and don’t have the time to input them into WW to make the calculations for the purple plan. Maybe in the future.
My best,
Nancy
@kathleen, I believe you could input and find the purple nutritional info for purple. If you don’t have the ww app you could find somewhere..
I’m so sorry but I’m only including Blue and Green points. For all of these years, I use a different program than WW to input all of my recipes to do the nutrition facts and points.
I have hundreds of recipes and don’t have the time to input them into WW to make the calculations for the purple plan.
My best, NancyI’m so sorry but I’m only including Blue and Green points. For all of these years, I use a different program than WW to input all of my recipes to do the nutrition facts and points.
I have hundreds of recipes and don’t have the time to input them into WW to make the calculations for the purple plan.
My best,
Nancy