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Easy Zucchini Noodle Alfredo is the low-carb answer to cravings for a decadent and creamy pasta dish, and it takes just minutes to prepare!
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Come dinner time, I don't make anyone close their eyes and say zucchini Alfredo is the same as one-pot fettuccine Alfredo.
I don't have to! This 5-ingredient recipe holds its own as an irresistible vegetable side dish or as an easy meal when topped with chicken or easy blackened shrimp.
Meanwhile, as someone who enjoys keto-friendly recipes, I find it indulgent. The long strands of zoodles coated in a cheesy sauce of Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream are delicious.
Once summer ends, keep this easy Alfredo sauce in your back pocket to make spaghetti squash Alfredo instead.
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Ingredient Notes
You'll need a handful of simple ingredients to make this zucchini noodle Alfredo recipe:
Of special note:
- Zucchini (a.k.a. courgettes) is best fresh and firm to touch.
- Cream cheese - Cut into small cubes so it softens and melts quickly in the skillet.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best. Since there are no preservatives, it will melt quickly and easily.
The recipe card below includes ingredient amounts, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information.
Equipment
Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles or "zoodles." They come in all price ranges and are worth every penny to easily make vegetable noodles.
I use the small, inexpensive one pictured below, which doesn't take up much space. The recipe card has a link if you want to check it out further.
Another option is to make zucchini ribbons with a vegetable peeler.
You'll find no shortage of ways to use this gadget, from pretty cucumber salad to baked feta zucchini pasta.
Directions with Pictures
Here's how to make this easy zucchini Alfredo recipe:
Step 1. Spiralize the zucchini. If there is excess moisture, gently pat the zoodles dry. You don't need to peel the zucchini first; just lift out any large strands that are mostly skin, if desired.
Step 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add spiralized zucchini and saute for about five minutes to soften them.
Step 3. Add Parmesan cheese, cubed cream cheese, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir to melt and combine the sauce ingredients with the zucchini noodles. This will take about five minutes.
Note: The zucchini noodles and the sauce can be made separately and combined. However, I find cooking everything at once to be much simpler.
Top Tips
- Don't use overly soggy zucchini noodles, or the sauce will be watery too. Pat zoodles dry before using.
- This recipe does not have much excess sauce and clings to the zucchini strands as it cools and sets. It should thoroughly coat the zucchini noodles. If desired, double the sauce amounts.
What to serve with zucchini Alfredo
Zucchini noodle Alfredo is a standout addition to just about any summer meal. Here are some of my favorite low-carb pairings:
- Main course: For a bit of a kick, I'm partial to baked blackened chicken or blackened cod. Grilled margarita shrimp and lemon pepper chicken are also excellent choices.
- Salad: Grape tomato caprese salad
- Dessert: Finish the meal with cottage cheese strawberry ice cream!
Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.
Storage
Store leftover zucchini noodle Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Easy Zucchini Noodle Alfredo
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I’ll email the recipe link to you, so you can come back to it later. Plus receive more great recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ounce cream cheese cubed and softened
- 1 Tablespoon sour cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to make zucchini noodles. Pat dry to remove excess moisture. You don't need to peel the zucchini first; just lift out any large strands that are mostly skin, if desired.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the pan and saute for about 5 minutes to soften.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir to melt and combine the sauce ingredients with the zucchini noodles. This will take about five minutes.
- Enjoy right away, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Don't use overly soggy zucchini noodles, or the sauce will be watery too. Pat zoodles dry before using.
- This recipe does not have much excess sauce and clings to the zucchini strands as it cools and sets. It should thoroughly coat the zucchini noodles. If desired, double the sauce amounts.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on August 20, 2014, and has been updated to improve the reader experience.
Laura says
I made this for dinner last night and it was delicious! So easy and tasty. Thank you for posting the recipe.
Marjory says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Ashley says
Curious on carb count for this recipe? Thanks! 🙂
Claire says
This came up on a low-carb Buzzfeed list. I've just tried it - it's amazing. I used garlic olive oil for extra flavour and added a good few grinds of black pepper. This is going straight into my regular meal list.
Marjory says
I'm so glad you like it! Love your additions.
Nicole says
I loved this recipe but I had to add garlic and a little bit of milk because the sauce was way too thick. Other than that, amazing!
Marjory says
Thanks so much for your tips! 🙂
Annie says
This looks so good!!! Alfredo is one of my faves, but the pasta does not really like me as a diabetic! I shared this in a Recipe Roundup on my blog, Plus Size to Downsized!!! Thanks so much for the great ideas!
Marjory says
Thanks so much for sharing! Can't wait to check out all the recipes!
Maureen says
What a lovely zucchini noodle alfredo! I actually love the color. It screams tasty and healthy for me. It's so good and really delicious!
Bobbi says
if there are 4 servings....how much is one serving?
Marjory says
Hi! With 1 pound of zucchini, each serving is about 1/2 cup.
Rita says
Just perfect! I love simple and easy recipes and this is delicious as well. Thanks
Marjory says
Thank you so much! 🙂
nikkib says
If i wanted to take leftovers and reheat for lunch would this reheat well in the microwave?
Marjory says
It should be fine!
Emily says
Do you have a general idea how much before the cooking time I can cut the zucchini? I like to do a lot of my prep ahead of time and it would be helpful to know that if I slice it 30 minutes before I am actually ready to cook it whether it would be a bad thing or not an issue.
Thanks!!
Marjory says
Hi there! Great question. You can definitely spiralize zucchini ahead of time and store in the refrigerator in an air tight container. They should last several days. You will find that they sweat a bit. Just blot the wetness away with a paper towel and they will cook just fine!
Amy says
I have kept spiralized raw zucchini in a ziplock bag with a couple paper towels in the refrigerator for several days, and just pull out what I want to cook at one time.
Marjory says
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Shannon says
How many servings is this recipe?
Marjory says
Hi! It serves 4 which is about 1/4 pound of zucchini per person. If you really like zucchini and want to make a meal of it, it serves 2. 🙂
rita jenkins says
Wow! This is fantastic! I added chopped fresh garlic and a generous skake of crushed red pepper! My new favorite!
Marjory says
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing them.
Holli says
My husband is a little leery of zucchini...has anyone tried this with yellow squash instead??
Marjory says
We haven't...although I have successfully mixed it with regular pasta. Love to know if you try it!
April Kelley says
Yes! It is delicious!!! I use a mix of both actually!
Tara says
I really have to try this as our zucchini is just coming up now and we will have lots of it. It really looks fantastic!! Thanks for sharing!!
Marjory says
Thanks Tara. Even though it's not in season, I eat year round. 🙂
Ray says
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this. I couldn’t get enough of it. I added mushrooms, scallion and basil and it was yummy. Didn’t miss the pasta at all. Quick and simple last minute dinner or perfect for serving dinner to guests Always happy to have a delicious new vegetarian recipe. Thanks
Christie says
I am in love with my spiralizer. It is so fun. Love this recipe and that you did not use heavy cream. It will be delicious without all that saturated fat.