Description
Crispy Zucchini Spaghetti is a light and flavorful pasta alternative featuring spiralized zucchini noodles sautéed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This quick and healthy dish offers a perfect balance of freshness and a subtle hint of spice, topped with zesty lemon and grated Parmesan cheese for an ultimate pasta experience without the carbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Spiralize Zucchini: Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into spaghetti-like noodles. Set the noodles aside to prepare for cooking.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics and vegetables.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to release their flavors.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices, creating a flavorful base.
- Cook Zucchini Noodles: Incorporate the spiralized zucchini into the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything to combine evenly.
- Season and Cook: Sprinkle salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice over the mixture. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender yet still slightly crisp to maintain texture.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil to add a fresh and aromatic note to the dish.
- Serve: Plate the crispy zucchini spaghetti and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese as desired for a tangy and savory finish.
Notes
- Do not overcook the zucchini noodles to prevent them from becoming soggy—aim for tender but still crisp.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- This dish is best served fresh to enjoy the optimal texture of the zucchini noodles.
- If you do not have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or buy pre-spiralized zucchini noodles at some grocery stores.
