Made in one pan in only 10 minutes and loaded with freshly grated Parmesan and lots of fresh garlic, these garlic Parmesan zucchini noodles are a side dish that goes well with any summer meal.
Forget about the zucchini bread, folks. This is the recipe you’re going to want to turn to when you find yourself with an abundance of summer zucchini that needs using asap.
We’re doing up zucchini noodles with some serious style today. A little simple, yet always winning gar-par action transforms this innocent summer vegetable into a side dish you’re going to absolutely crave nonstop.
With a side of extra EASY to boot! You’re only going to need 7 basic ingredients to pull off these noodles and it all comes together in one pan in less than 20 minutes.
I think we’re winning this whole zucchini business.
These Zucchini Noodles Feature…
- A tender, hearty texture
- Lots of grated Parmesan and fresh garlic
- Juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh basil
Making the Zucchini Noodles
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Olive oil
- Shallot
- Cherry tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Basil
Spiralizer Alternatives
You can still make this recipe even if you don’t own a spiralizer! Julienne the zucchini with a sharp knife into long, thin strips or use a vegetable peeler to peel the zucchini into shavings.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Noodles
- Sauté shallot and cherry tomatoes – this builds the flavor base for the zucchini noodles.
- Cook zucchini noodles 2-3 minutes – don’t overcook the zucchini noodles otherwise they will turn mushy. Sauté them until just crisp-tender to preserve the texture.
- Use fresh garlic – using fresh garlic instead of powdered or jarred adds lots of flavor.
- Freshly-grate Parmesan – this makes a big difference in how the Parmesan will melt into the zucchini noodles
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on these noodles.
- Add more veggies – try adding sauteed sweet peppers, summer squash, mushrooms, baby spinach, or broccoli.
- Swap in summer squash – summer squash works great in place of the zucchini. Sometimes I even do half zucchini, half summer squash.
- Use a different cheese – try grated asiago, goat cheese, or feta.
- Add meat – try adding diced cooked chicken, turkey, or browned sausage.
Serving Suggestions
We love serving these zucchini noodles alongside grilled steaks, chicken breasts, or even seafood like salmon, tuna, whitefish, or scallops. Pair it with a tossed salad and some crusty bread on the side for a full meal.
You seriously won’t be missing the actual noodles one bit here because that’s how incredible this zucchini cooks up. Shoutout to garlic + Parmesan for always saving the day.
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.
You’ll love these other zucchini favorites!
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized (about 1 lb)
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat pan. Add shallot and cherry tomatoes to pan and sauté 2-3 minutes until tender and juicy.
- Add zucchini noodles and garlic to pan and sauté 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles are crisp-tender.
- Remove noodles from heat and toss in grated Parmesan, basil, and salt and pepper to taste until cheese is melted. Serve zucchini noodles warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 7/25/26.
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
So fresh and colorful! What a great healthy dinner!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! Definitely a veggie-lover’s dream dinner!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
You had me at 10 minutes, Sarah! This dish sounds delicious, not to mention that it’s so gorgeous, too! I’ve always wanted to try out a spiralizer, so I definitely need to get on that. Love the parmesan in here!
Sarah says
Yes, you so need to get a spiralizer, Gayle! It will change your life, I promise!!
Laura @Petite Allergy Treats says
Zucchini noodles are always going to be a thing and this looks incredible! So healthy too.
Sarah says
They never go outta style right?? Thanks Laura!! xoxo 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These are the most gorgeous zoodles, Sarah! I love veggie noodles and usually just use my veggie peeler but I finally got a spiralizer last month and you are right – they are so much better and cuter 🙂 The parmesan and cherry tomatoes look perfect in here – so fresh and delicious!
Sarah says
Yay, we’re total spiralizer buddies now! Love it. 🙂 Thanks Kelly!
Chelsea@TableForOne says
I am also late jumping on the zucchini noodle bandwagon! I am in serious need of a spiralizer because this looks fabulous. So fresh and healthy!
Sarah says
You definitely will not regret getting one, Chelsea!!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
So your not the only one Sarah. I bought my spiralizer a few years ago and I’ve only used it maybe once or twice. Oops. This dish looks wonderful and I can not wait to try it. It’s going on the menu this week for sure! Pinned!
Sarah says
Glad I reminded you, Cyndi!! Haha! Kidding of course, but yes! You so need to give these a go, girl!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
I love meals that are as colorful as this! These zucchini noodles are calling my name!
Sarah says
Colorful food is totally the tastiest, right?! 😉 Thanks Jen!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
so healthy and delicious! I am yet to try zucchini noodles but they sound fantastic!
Sarah says
Thanks Manali! You need to try zoodles, asap!
Danielle says
I really need to get on board with the zucchini noodles these look fantastic! I think I need to buy a spiralizer very very soon!
Sarah says
Thanks Danielle! You should so get a spiralizer—they’re life-changing. 😉
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
Absolutely delicious and so healthy.. and made in just 10 minutes.. WOW!!
Sarah says
Unreal, right?? *wink* Thanks Arpita!!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Oh wow, this looks good! I love spiralizing zucchini! And this look so simple, fresh and delicious! Yum!
Sarah says
Thanks, girl! I’m totally hooked on the zoodles now! 😉
Diane says
Just made this for lunch! It was delicious! Thanks for the post! This is definitely my go-to recipe when my zucchini craving kicks in (which is all the time!)
Sarah says
Thanks for letting me know, Diane! I’m so happy you enjoyed these zucchini noodles. 🙂