Zucchini Noodle Alfredo Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are zucchini noodles a good substitute for pasta? ›

Zucchini noodles (also known as zoodles) are a great low-carb or gluten free substitute for traditional wheat pasta. Zoodles can be made a few different ways using either a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or mandoline. They can also be prepared in multiple ways such as microwaved, sauteed, baked, boiled, or eaten raw.

To avoid soggy and limp noodles, I recommend cooking for only 3-5 minutes (5 if you're cooking more than 1-2 spiralized zucchinis) and tossing frequently. You want a slightly al dente noodle.

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.

Don't pre-salt your zucchini noodles.

First of all, one of the benefits of spiralizing is that it's SO quick (just spiralize, cook, and enjoy pasta in under 5 minutes!).

Benefits of Eating Zucchini Noodles

If you are trying to eat low-carb, that is a huge difference! More fiber: Zucchini contains more grams of fiber per serving than regular pasta, which helps your digestive function, aids in weight loss, helps control blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, and more.

As of yesterday, the Italian chain's carb-heavy menu got a bit lighter with the introduction of Zoodles Primavera. Ahead of summer, Olive Garden is adding the zucchini noodle dish as a healthier alternative to similar, higher calorie offerings. Here's a hot take for you: Better for you can also mean better tasting.

Don't! We like our regular pasta with a nice al dente bite, and the same goes for cooking zoodles! If you serve a warm sauce over the noodles, it will gently heat them through, so no actual cooking is necessary.

Are Zucchini Noodles Good for You? Heck yes! Zucchini is one of the lowest-calorie vegetables when compared to the same serving size as other nutritious vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Coming in at only 19 calories per cup, zucchini also packs a nutritious punch.

A look into essential Vitamins & Minerals, shows that Zucchini Pasta outdoes Spaghetti Squash on every one, except for Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Selenium. Information found from SELF's Nutrition Data calculator.

Raw zucchini can also cause gas and bloating, especially if you overdo it. Zucchini is rich in fiber that your gut doesn't digest. When your body doesn't fully break the fiber down, gas can build up and cause bloating and make you pass wind. Eating raw vegetables can cause gas if you have irritable bowel syndrome.

Do you peel zoodles? ›

I've found that I prefer to peel and cook the noodles so they soften and take on the texture of a starchy noodle. However, zucchini is one of those vegetables that is not appetizing to me in it's raw state, so it's really a matter of preference.

Salt causes zucchini rounds to release excess water. This important extra step helps the zucchini to sauté rather than stew in its own juices.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a popular noodle substitute because its texture makes it easy to spiral out into spaghetti-like shapes. This summer squash, also called a courgette, consists of about 95% water and has just about 25 calories in each small zucchini. It's also virtually fat-free and cholesterol-free.

Cook the zucchini noodles by sautéing, boiling, microwaving, or baking them. 3. Add your favorite pasta sauce and toppings to the zucchini noodles. Zucchini noodles don't have a specific taste, but they take on the flavors of other ingredients in the recipe.

A cup serving of regular spaghetti can pack about 220 calories and 43 grams of carbs. Zucchini noodles, on the other hand, are quite low in both these macronutrients. You'll consume only around 20 calories and four grams of carbohydrates with a similar-sized helping.