Hey, pasta lovers!
Are you up for a delicious twist on your favorite dish? I’ve got something special for you today!
We’re diving into a super tasty recipe for parmesan spinach zoodles. Yep, that’s zucchini noodles packed with flavor!
They’re light, cheesy, and oh so satisfying. Perfect for a healthy dinner or a fun side dish.
Let’s get those zoodles cooking!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Zucchini can be replaced with yellow squash, cucumber, or carrots for a different flavor profile or texture. These alternatives maintain the low-carb nature of the dish while offering varied nutritional benefits. Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create noodle-like shapes. Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or coconut oil for different flavor notes and potential health benefits. These oils have similar cooking properties and can be used in the same quantity. Parmesan cheese can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a vegan option, providing a similar umami flavor and cheesy texture. Use about half the amount of nutritional yeast compared to parmesan, as its flavor is more concentrated. For those avoiding dairy, this substitution also makes the dish lactose-free.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 18-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 50-55 g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use butter)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Noodles
Using a spiralizer tool, spiralize the zucchini into spirals or noodle-like strands.
Once done, set the zucchini noodles aside for later use in the cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add butter or oil to the pan, allowing it to melt.
Once melted, add chopped onion and minced garlic.
Cook these until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic for the best taste.
Step 3: Cook the Zucchini Noodles
Introduce the zucchini noodles to the pan with the aromatics.
Cook the noodles for about 3-5 minutes, until they are tender to your preference.
Be mindful that zucchini noodles cook very quickly, so taste a strand occasionally to ensure they remain firm or “al-dente” according to your liking.
Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Add fresh spinach to the pan with the zucchini noodles.
Stir and cook just until the spinach has wilted, maintaining its vibrant green color and ensuring a pleasant texture.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until it’s thoroughly mixed and melted into the noodles.
Season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
For a hint of heat, sprinkle with chili flakes.
Serve the dish warm for the best flavor experience.
