Zucchini Pasta (2024)

Tangles of zucchini noodles wrapped around burst cherry tomatoes in a garlic Parmesan sauce that forms itself right in the pan as the zucchini cooks, this bright Zucchini Pasta is the recipe that convinced me that zucchini noodles can, in fact, be as legitimately satisfying as regular pasta noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Pasta Recipe

• Zucchini Noodles You’ll Actually Want to Eat. Most of the time if you are cooking with zucchini noodles, it’s because you are trying to save calories or keep things low carb. But, like my Healthy Shrimp Scampi, this creamy zucchini pasta is an absolute delight with its bright, summery flavors.
• Use Up All That Summer Zucchini. Zucchini Muffins and Blueberry Zucchini Bread are great, but if you’re looking for healthy ways to make zucchini for dinner, this zucchini pasta is right up there with my Stuffed Zucchini and Zucchini Pizza Boats.
• It’s a Versatile Recipe. You can keep the recipe vegetarian as written, or add your protein of choice. See “What to Serve with Zucchini Pasta” below for ideas.
• Zucchini Pasta Is Ridiculously Easy. 15 minutes of prep plus 10 minutes of cooking time equal an outstanding weeknight dinner option.

More About Zucchini Pasta

Zucchini pasta is a bit of a misnomer, because this recipe doesn’t actually include traditional pasta noodles—and no, you won’t find it alongside linguine and bucatini when you’re eating dinner at a ristorante in Italy.

Instead, it uses spiralized zucchini, meaning zucchini that has been cut into long, thin spaghetti-shaped “noodles” using a spiralizer machine.

Spiralizers are not expensive—the one I recommend will set you back around $20, but I know it can feel like a lot to add another appliance to your kitchen. I have a few suggestions for how to make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer below.

While zucchini noodles do not taste exactly like pasta noodles, if you cook them properly (meaning until they are al dente, not mushy), they are surprisingly satisfying.

Zucchini noodles absorb flavors well, you can twirl them around your fork like traditional noodles, and it does feel good to know you are enjoying a hefty serving of veg.

Zucchini noodles can also provide a pasta-like option for those who can’t have traditional pasta for dietary reasons. If you are gluten-free, wanting to reduce carbohydrates, or are following a diet like Whole30, keto, or Paleo, zoodles are a great option (check out these Whole30 Meatballs, by the way).

How to Make Zucchini Pasta

The Ingredients

• Zucchini. Zucchini noodles are a delicious, healthy pasta alternative that make this dish worthy of eating on repeat. They’re gluten-free, low carb, and keto/Paleo/Whole30 friendly.

• Lemon Juice + Cornstarch. The sneaky thickener for our pasta sauce. The lemon juice adds brightness, while the cornstarch helps the sauce thicken without resorting to heavy cream.
• Butter. While you could use extra-virgin olive oil, I love the flavor that butter adds to this zucchini pasta.
• Shallot + Garlic. An iconic duo that creates a scrumptious flavor base for our pasta sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes. Juicy, red pops of sweet goodness that flavor the sauce and every bite you take.
• Red Pepper Flakes. For the ideal amount of heat.
• Parmesan. Not only does the Parmesan provide salty, cheesy flavor, but it also plays a role in thickening our pasta sauce.
• Basil. A shower of fresh basil is the perfect finishing touch for this dish.

The Directions

1. Prepare. Spiralize the zucchini.

2. Start the Sauce. Prepare the lemon and cornstarch slurry.

3. Cook the Veggies. Sauté the shallots in butter. Add the garlic. Stir in the tomatoes.
4. Make It Creamy. Pour in the slurry and red pepper flakes.

5. Coat the Noodles. Add the noodles, stirring to coat them in the sauce.

6. Bring It All Together. Add the cheese. Cook until the noodles are al dente. Keep on tossing the whole time.

7. Finish and Serve. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, and add the basil. Top with Parmesan, and ENJOY!

Storage Tips

• To Make Ahead. Spiralize the zucchini noodles up to 2 days in advance, and store them in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator.
• To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat. Gently reheat leftovers in a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
• I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the zoodles can have a mushy texture once thawed.

What to Serve with Zucchini Pasta

• Meatballs. A side of Baked Turkey Meatballs would be a delicious and hearty addition.
• Shrimp. Zucchini pasta with shrimp is a winning combination. Garlic Butter Shrimp or Grilled Shrimp Seasoning would be tasty.
• Chicken. For a crowd-pleasing addition, serve this dish with Grilled Chicken Tenders or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
• Bread. For a gluten-free option, try this Almond Flour Bread. Or, you can pick up a loaf of your favorite bread from a local bakery.No Knead Focaccia is good too!

• Spiralizer. The easiest way to create perfect zucchini noodles.
• Tongs. The best way to toss the noodles.
• Large Skillet. A kitchen tool you’ll use constantly, and it’s perfect for many of these one pan meals.
• Citrus Juicer. A helpful gadget that’s worthy of a spot in your kitchen.

Keeping Zucchini Noodles from Becoming Soggy

Zucchini has a naturally high water content, meaning that if you aren’t careful, you’ll end up with soggy noodles and a watery sauce.

This zucchini pasta recipe uses the water content of zucchini to its advantage. As the zucchini releases water, we toss the zoodles continuously in Parmesan and a bit of cornstarch.

The cornstarch and Parm bind with the noodles, turning the zucchini liquid into a light, creamy zucchini pasta sauce. I stole the approach from this Pasta al Limone and was delighted to find that it works well here also.

Here are a few tips more tips to make your zucchini noodles not soggy:

• Wait to Add Salt. Salt naturally draws moisture out of ingredients, so it could make the noodles soggy if added too early. Wait to add the salt until just before serving.
• Don’t Overcook Them! Once the noodles are al dente, they’re done. Overcooked zucchini noodles can quickly become a mushy, soggy mess.
• Pat Them Dry. After you’ve spiralized your zucchini, lay the noodles on a towel, and gently press down to remove any excess moisture.

How to Make Zucchini Noodles without a Spiralizer

By far, the easiest and fastest way to make zucchini spaghetti is with a spiralizer. It’s inexpensive and once you own it, you’ll likely find yourself making veggie noodles more frequently.

I like countertop models like this one. You can find many similar models on Amazon and at other retailers too. You can use them for other vegetables in addition to the zucchini.

If you don’t have or wish to purchase a spiralizer, you certainly have options!

• You can use a handheld vegetable peeler like this one to create long, straight zucchini noodles.
• Slice your zucchini lengthwise on a mandoline for easy zoodles (I use this technique for my Zucchini Ravioli).
• If necessary, you can even cut zucchini noodles by hand using a knife. Cut long, thin noodles down the length of the zucchini (though by the time you are done, you may wish you’d bought a spiralizer).