These zucchini noodles are the perfect low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re fresh, vibrant, and super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re following a keto diet, going gluten-free, or just trying to eat more vegetables, zoodles (zucchini noodles) are a delicious way to satisfy those pasta cravings — without the extra carbs.

You can pair them with just about any sauce you love — from rich bolognese or marinara to creamy Alfredo or even a simple garlic and olive oil drizzle. It’s a healthy pasta swap that tastes amazing, keeps you full, and fits perfectly into any low-carb or clean eating lifestyle.

Freshly spiralized raw zucchini noodles served on a white plate.

You’ll be surprised by how quick and easy it is to make zoodles (zucchini noodles) right at home—no boiling required! In fact, zucchini noodles cook faster than traditional pasta and are a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite dishes without the carbs or gluten.

If you’re following a keto, paleo, or gluten-free diet, zoodles are the perfect low-carb pasta alternative for all kinds of recipes. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best zucchini noodles—whether you’re craving spaghetti, fettuccine, or even wide pappardelle-style noodles—using nothing but fresh zucchini and a few simple tools.

Just picture a warm bowl of zucchini noodles topped with hearty bolognese sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese—it’s comforting, wholesome, and 100% guilt-free. So keep reading to discover how to turn this humble vegetable into one of the most delicious gluten-free pasta substitutes you’ve ever tried!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 What Are Zucchini Noodles?
2 Why Are You Going To Love These Zucchini Noodles
3 Ingredients You’ll Need for Zucchini Noodles
4 How To Prepare The Best Zucchini Noodles
- 4.1 Make The Zucchini Noodles
5 Cook The Zucchini Noodles
6 Tips for Making the Best Zucchini Noodles
7 Storing Ideas
8 How To Use These Zucchini Noodles
9 What Should I Do If My Zucchini Noodles Are Too Watery?
10 How To Choose The Perfect Zucchini?
11 Health Benefits Of Eating Zucchini
12 Zucchini Noodles

What Are Zucchini Noodles?

Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are thin, spiral-shaped strands of zucchini that resemble traditional pasta. Made using a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or even a basic vegetable peeler, these veggie noodles are a light and nutritious alternative to regular pasta.

Zoodles are perfect for a variety of eating styles, including keto, low-carb, paleo, and gluten-free diets. They’re a great way to sneak in more vegetables, making meals both healthier and more colorful—especially if you’re trying to get the family on board with more veggies!

Whether you’re planning a low-carb pasta night or looking for a creative way to use up garden zucchini, these noodles are incredibly versatile and can be paired with sauces like marinara, alfredo, pesto, or bolognese for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Why Are You Going To Love These Zucchini Noodles

Super Easy to Make – Whether you’re using a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or just a knife, zucchini noodles come together in minutes with very little effort.
Low in Carbs, High in Nutrition – Zoodles are naturally low in carbohydrates and calories, making them a perfect pasta alternative for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.
Ready in Under 30 Minutes – From prep to plate, you can have a healthy, satisfying meal on the table in less than half an hour.
Versatile and Delicious – These noodles pair perfectly with a wide variety of sauces like pesto, alfredo, bolognese, or even a simple garlic butter for a quick weeknight dinner.
Naturally Gluten-Free – A fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste or texture.
Great Way to Eat More Veggies – Even picky eaters love zoodles when tossed in a flavorful sauce or topped with grated cheese.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Spiralize in advance and store them in the fridge to quickly throw together lunch or dinner.
Light Yet Satisfying – Zucchini noodles give you the comfort of pasta without the heavy feeling, making them ideal for warm weather or lighter meals.

Zucchini noodles topped with homemade meat sauce and shredded cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Zucchini Noodles

The best part about this recipe? It’s incredibly simple and made with just four wholesome ingredients—perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side dish.

Fresh Zucchini – Choose firm, medium-sized zucchini with a deep green color and smooth skin. These spiralize beautifully and hold their shape well when cooked.
Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps to lightly sauté the noodles. You can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version or extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning. Start simple, then taste and adjust as needed.
Optional Seasonings – Customize your zoodles with extras like garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or Italian seasoning for even more flavor.

How To Prepare The Best Zucchini Noodles

These zucchini noodles are one of the best recipes I have ever tried, and the best part is that they taste extremely delicious. Here is everything you have to do:

Make The Zucchini Noodles

You will need a spiralizer to make these zucchini noodles, but you can also use a basic everyday peeler, which you probably already have in your pantry.

I like to use a spiralizer because it’s simpler and more enjoyable. But if you don’t have any and don’t want to add another gadget to your kitchen, make your veggie noodles using a peeler. It works fine.

Using a peeler. If you choose to use a peeler for your zucchini noodles, first, you need to decide if you leave the peel on. Then all you have to do is wash the Zucchini well and shave the entire length of it, creating a nice pile of zoodles.
Using a spiralizer. For this simpler method, you must follow your spiralizer’s direction.
Using a knife. This is the most difficult and time-consuming method, but it will also work if this is your final solution. Cut the zucchini using a sharp knife into slices length-wise. Then cut them into thick strands.

Cook The Zucchini Noodles

If you like your zoodles to be more soft and tender, or if you prefer them warm, there are some methods for preparing them:

How To Prepare Zucchini Noodles In Microwave – just put them in the Microwave and cook for 40-60 seconds.
How To Bake Zucchini Noodles – Put zucchini noodles on a baking sheet and bake them for 15 minutes or until it’s as tender as you want at 350 degrees.
How To Sautee Zucchini Noodles – In a pan over medium heat, add the butter and the zucchini noodles. Season them with salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes or until they are cooked as you like.

Fresh zucchini being spiralized into long noodle-like strands.

Tips for Making the Best Zucchini Noodles

Mastering the perfect zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) is easy with a few simple tips and tricks. Whether you’re spiralizing or using a vegetable peeler, here’s how to make sure your low-carb noodles turn out flavorful and never soggy:

Choose the Right Zucchini Size: Larger zucchini are easier to use with a vegetable peeler, while medium to small zucchini spiralize better and hold their shape during cooking.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan or Tray: If you’re baking or sautéing zoodles, spread them out in a single layer. Overcrowding traps moisture and leads to soggy noodles.
Salt and Drain: Lightly salt your zucchini noodles and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Then pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
Use High Heat for Sautéing: A quick sauté over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes is all you need. This helps evaporate moisture quickly without making the noodles mushy.
Don’t Overcook: Zoodles should be tender-crisp, not limp. Keep a close eye on them—overcooking is the most common mistake.
Prep Ahead Smartly: Spiralize zucchini in advance and store it in the fridge with a paper towel in an airtight container to absorb moisture and keep them fresh for up to 3 days.

Storing Ideas

Fridge: You can store the leftover noodles in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about five days.
Freezer: It’s not a good idea to freeze zucchini noodles. You’ll end up with watery noodles instead of wonderfully firm ones once they’ve thawed.

Bowl of zoodles and meat sauce with parsley and shaved parmesan.

How To Use These Zucchini Noodles

Let’s look at some additional recipes now that you know how to make zucchini noodles to eat with spaghetti sauce. Here are some delicious recipes that pair great with these zucchini noodles:

What Should I Do If My Zucchini Noodles Are Too Watery?

Here is what you have to do if your noodles are too watery:

Pat your noodles between paper towels after spiralizing or peeling. If you’re making a large quantity, place some paper towels on a baking sheet, distribute your zoodles on top, and then press paper towels on top.
Season with salt and set aside for 15 minutes.
Once you’ve pressed into the paper towels one more time, your zoodles are ready to cook.

How To Choose The Perfect Zucchini?

Choosing the correct zucchini is essential, especially if you want to create zucchini noodles. Here are a few things that must be taken into account:

Look for a zucchini that is medium in size. Larger zucchinis are typically too watery to make zoodles with. They’re also less delicious than tiny Zucchini.
The skin should be smooth and green. There should be no imperfections on the skin.
If you want to keep zucchinis longer, search for zucchinis with stems.

Health Benefits Of Eating Zucchini

Did you know, guys, that zucchini is considered a fruit? No, I’m not kidding. This delicious vegetable is essentially a fruit. Of course, you should eat it as a vegetable, but it’s still a fruit. Isn’t it true that they are becoming more interesting?

So let’s talk about their health benefits:

They are low in calories. One cup of fresh Zucchini has almost 20 calories. And about 4g of carbs.
Zucchini contains an important quantity of vitamins;
They are high in antioxidants;
Contain a high amount of fiber and potassium.