How to Make and Cook Zucchini Noodles
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Dec 16, 2023
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Zucchini noodles (also known as “zoodles“) are the perfect gluten-free, zucchini pasta. Today, I’m showing you how to make zucchini noodles using a spiralizer, julienne peeler and mandoline.
I’ve also got several tips on how to cook zucchini noodles perfectly (so they’re not soggy) and I’m sharing my favorite “go to” zucchini noodle recipes.
Just because you’ve decided to ditch wheat-based spaghetti doesn’t mean you really have to give up pasta. How so, you ask? Well, let me introduce you to zucchini noodles. Also known as “zoodles” – zucchini noodles are the most brilliant noodle base for numerous healthy gluten-free recipes.
But if you’re new to the world of zoodles, you may be overwhelmed with all the options. You may even have questions like: What’s the best tool to make zucchini noodles? What zucchini noodle recipes should I make? How do I cook them? And should I even cook them?
I completely understand. And trust me, they’re all the same questions I had years ago. So today, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to zucchini noodles. A mini-resource guide, to help you navigate the wide world of zoodles.
The Ultimate Guide to Zucchini Noodles
Listed below are the most popular methods for making and cooking zucchini noodles. I’ve listed them in order of my favorite to least favorite. If you keep scrolling, you’ll also find a video that shows you how I use each device – so make sure to watch that!
And finally, at the very end I’ve included some of my best tips along with my favorite zucchini noodle recipes. So let’s dive in!
How to Make Zucchini Noodles
In the video below I’ll show you several ways to make zucchini noodles. While I love to use my spiralizer, you can choose your favorite method!
1. With a Spiralizer
The Paderno World Cuisine Spiralizer is far and away my favorite tool. It creates curls of your favorite vegetables, literally in seconds. It’s the fastest tool of the bunch and requires the least amount of strength or effort (with suction cup feet to keep it in place). You simply cut off the ends of a zucchini, place it next to the blade and spin. In less than 8 seconds you’ll have spiral sliced the entire zucchini.
Now, I know these reviews are for zucchini noodles, but keep in mind other vegetables you may want to slice up. Carrots, sweet potato, apples, pears…the list is endless!
With this spiralizer, you can create your favorite carrot pasta, curly sweet potato fries or apple chips with easy to swap out blades. Yes, it’s bigger than some of the other options, but considering how I often I use it the pros far outweigh the cons – so it’s still my #1 favorite.
PROS: requires little effort/strength, performs the fastest, reasonably priced, sturdy and offers different blades/slicing options.
CONS: will require more storage space than other options.
2. With a Julienne Peeler
The great thing about a julienne peeler is that you likely already have one in your kitchen. Win! A julienne peeler frequently does double duty with a vegetable peeler. One side juliennes, the other side slices. And that’s perfect for when you want thick, flat slices of zucchini pasta. The single biggest benefit of a julienne peeler is that it’s small. It takes up virtually no space in your kitchen and will most likely reside in your utensil drawer.
When it comes to the actual zucchini noodles, a julienne peeler slices the thinnest, most delicate noodles. Then, you simply pull the strands apart with your fingers. The reason this tool makes #2 on my list is that it takes longer to slice (you rotate the zucchini, creating a rectangular shape), it leaves the largest core and the potential of nicking a finger is high (yep, I’m clumsy).
PROS: cheap and easy to store.
CONS: takes longer to slice and leaves a pretty large core.
3. With a Mandoline
I actually hummed and hawed about making the mandoline #2 on my list (because I love it that much) – but the julienne peeler won for size. I’ve had this mandoline for several years and it gets used a ton in my kitchen.
The mandoline creates julienne noodles that are slightly thicker than a peeler, but does it in half the time. The blades are SUPER sharp on a mandoline, so please please always use the plastic holder or a cut-resistant glove. I’ve sliced a massive divot out of my thumb before – and it’s not fun.
The mandoline creates the best flat zucchini pasta and allows you to vary the thickness. Similar to the Paderno World Cuisine Spiralizer, it has several blade options, giving you options for perfectly consistent noodles, slices or rounds (and easily cuts through any “harder to slice” vegetable). Alright, maybe this is actually a tie for #2.
PROS: slicing is easy/fast (due to sharp blade) and consistent sizing/width of output.
CONS: sharp blade (be careful with your fingers) and medium size for storage.
4. With the KitchenAid Spiralizer
If you have a KitchenAid stand mixer then you’re likely aware of the numerous attachments available. While these attachments aren’t cheap, they’re automated by connecting to the power hub on the front of the mixer. And yes, as you guessed it, KitchenAid has a spiralizer attachment.
The Kitchenaid spiralizer comes in a nice storage box (though it’s quite large) and provides the most blade options, with 7 blades (including a peeler). But even with all these blade options I found that I still gravitated toward the 3 basic blades – the same ones which are included with the Paderno Spiralizer.
Another consideration is that because this tool is automated, it also has a fixed width. That means large zucchini need to be cut in half, with each half spiralized separately.
If you already have a KitchenAid and love using attachments, this is a great option. But for everyone else, the cost alone will probably be the biggest deterrent.
PROS: the only automated spiralizer, has the most blade options and comes with a peeler.
CONS: fixed width, requires the most storage space and I found that I could still spiralize a zucchini faster, by hand, with the Paderno Spiralizer.
5. With A Handheld Spiralizer
The handheld spiralizer is the newest kid on the block and the solution for curly noodles in a small contraption. It produces zucchini noodles most similar to the Paderno Spiralizer, though they tend to be flatter and not as consistently sized. I was really hoping to love this little device, but with all the other options on the market, I had to rank it last.
If you’re spiralizing several zucchini your wrist can become sore from all the twisting and it’s hard to keep the zucchini slicing straight. Also, if you plan to spiralize other vegetables (like carrots and sweet potatoes), this tool will be the most difficult as it requires the most strength and effort. Sure, it’s cheap, but sometimes you get what you pay for.
PROS: cheap and takes up little space.
CONS: inconsistent noodles, requires strength/wrist power and lacks the versatility of the other options.
How to Cook Zucchini Noodles
Congratulations – you’ve made zucchini noodles! Now the big question is what to do with them, right? And you might be thinking, how do I cook them? But the question you should be asking is, “how do I heat them up?” Because you don’t really want to cook zucchini noodles. At least not too much.
Zucchini are comprised of 95 percent water (yes, 95%). So when you cook them, you may end up with a soggy, mushy mess of watery noodles – just by cooking one minute too long. The exact opposite of al dente. So when you’re cooking zoodles, remind yourself that your intention is simply to heat them up and not really to “cook.” I failed miserably at this in the beginning.
Today, I end up with perfectly crisp, al dente noodles every time. Here’s how…
1. Eat Zucchini Noodles Raw
The best way to get the crispiest, most al dente noodles? Keep them raw. Yep, that means no cooking whatsoever. Spiralize, mix with your favorite ingredients and serve. Not only is raw the easiest and fastest method, but the noodles are just as delicious cold as they are warm. Think of raw cucumber – you don’t need to cook that to eat it do you? Cold zucchini noodles are no different. And mixed with a cold avocado cucumber sauce or pesto sauce for zucchini pasta caprese….they’re delish!
If your zucchini is room temperature, simply mixing the noodles with a hot sauce, like a bolognese, also warms the noodles. So you’ve cooked without cooking! Isn’t that the best? And that’s why raw always wins as my favorite “cooking” method.
2. How to Microwave Zucchini Noodles
For the speediest cooking of your zucchini noodles, a microwave can’t be beat – which is why it’s my second favorite cooking method. Just pile all your noodles in a microwave-safe dish and cook for one minute. Depending on the amount of noodles you have you may need to cook longer, though I would recommend 30-second increments to prevent over-cooking. Then, divide your noodles between serving plates and top with your favorite sauce.
3. How to Sauté Zucchini Noodles
If you’re already cooking on the stovetop, sautéing your noodles may be the easiest. Just add one tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil to a pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes. This is a perfect cooking method if you’re making zucchini pasta with lemon garlic shrimp – or something similar. But I find that if I’m adding a bolognese or other sauce to the noodles, I’d prefer not to have the extra oil on the noodles.
4. How to Boil Zucchini Noodles
When I first started making zucchini noodles, this was the method I used the most. It’s quite simple to boil a pot of water, toss in your zucchini noodles and cook for one minute. It’s similar to cooking frozen veggies on the stovetop. And once your noodles have cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and serve. If you’d like them super dry, blot them with a paper towel before serving.
5. How to Bake Zucchini Noodles
Baking zucchini noodles is the method I use the least as it’s the most time-consuming and labor-intensive. At first, I thought the noodles would be crispier and more spaghetti-like, but the difference is negligible. For the added time and energy, I much prefer any of the other methods.
But if you want to give it a go, preheat your oven to 200 degrees fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with a paper towel and evenly distribute your noodles on top. Then, sprinkle with sea salt. The sea salt helps to draw out the moisture while the paper towel soaks it up. And no, the paper towel won’t catch fire at such a low temperature. Cook for 10-15 minutes, then remove from the oven and gently squeeze the noodles in the paper towel to wring out any additional water.
The Best Zucchini Noodles Recipes
- Zucchini Noodles with Chicken, Spinach and Parmesan
- Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bolognese
- Mexican Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- Zucchini Noodle Caprese
- Zucchini Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Carrot and Zucchini Pasta with Avocado Cucumber Sauce
Tips & Tricks
After making, eating and cooking zucchini noodles for several years I’ve learned a few tricks of the trade. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- If you’re using my favorite spiralizer to make your noodles, you’ll end up with super long strands. In order to more easily serve your guests, just use a pair of kitchen scissors to snip through some of the strands.
- Make your zoodles ahead of time! This is the best time-saving tip. After you’ve spiralized several zucchini, line a large plastic or glass storage container with a paper towel, add your noodles and place in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days.
- Larger zucchini are easier to spiralize and will yield more noodles. For serving sizes, plan on one medium zucchini per person.
- To peel or not to peel the zucchini? I don’t peel the zucchini before spiralizing as I love the added green color in my dish and extra nutrients it provides, like dietary fiber.
- Don’t forget to make zucchini ribbons and spiralize lots of other veggies, such as carrots, squash, eggplant, potato, beets and parsnips. Get creative!
- And lastly, remember that there’s so many more vegetables that you can spiralize, in addition to zucchini noodles. Check out my Spiralizer Beginner’s Guide with the 10 vegetables I spiralize most frequently. And expand your veggie recipe repertoire with the new Vegetable Sheet Cutter. It’s seriously amazing.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Description
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the ends off the zucchini and place it on your spiralizer. Turn the spiralizer and create zucchini noodles.
- Heat the oil in a large pan on medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add the zucchini noodles and toss them for one minute, just to warm through, then turn off the heat.
- Sprinkle on the grated parmesan along with salt and pepper, give them another toss in the pan, then serve them up.
Lisa’s Tips
- Don’t forget to read all the notes and tips in the blog post above. You’ll soon be an expert at zucchini noodles as well!
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
This post was originally published December 2015 and updated June 2017, December 2019, and today, to include new content, photographs and a video.
It taste good.
Hey Lisa, this video was really helpful. Thank you so much.
I bought a spiralizer with a manual crank a while back and have struggled with it for so long that I don’t make zucchini noodles very often. But especially since my partner was put on a dissacharide-free diet by his doctor, we aren’t eating gluten and zucchini is frequently on the menu for us. I’ll definitely be investing in the Paderno!
Question for you: I feel like every time I make zucchini noodles I end up having to squeeze out a lot of liquid using something like a cheese cloth. Is this happening because my spiralizer doesn’t remove the core and those pieces are softer and maybe more moist? Have you run into this issue before, and do you have any tips? (It doesn’t seem like your noodles need that at all, so I’m curious why this is happening.
Thanks so much!
The video was very helpful. Can’t wait for your new video for other vegetables.
Thanks so much, Faye! I’m glad you found the video helpful.
I love the Paderno Spiralizer. I am wondering what blade you use making your zoodles – the 3MM or 6MM? Mine do not look as much like spaghetti as yours. Pls. let me know.
Hi Eva – I typically use the smaller blade when making zucchini noodles. Enjoy!
Just did a 5k sunset race and was starving! Came home and looked up spiral zucchini recipe and this was on top of other recipes! And who can say no to this babe with so many recipes for us! Needless to say, this recipe was the best and I for sure will be using more often! Highly recommend you follow her on social media as well! 🥰
My first zoodles experience! Super delicious! I added 1 T sundried tomatoes.
Very informative thank you
Had bought a spiralizer but have not used it
Hi Frances – It’s time to pull out the spiralizer!
Delicious! I used a handheld spiralizer, sautéed with garlic, salt and pepper (omitted the parmesan for dairy free) and it was perfect, great veg side dish :)
Hi Aisha – Happy to hear you’re making good use of your spiralizer!
Just bought a spiralizer and am so looking forward to this recipe! Perfect for all those “free squash tables” coming this summer, haha! Thank you!
Hi Denice – It’s such a great tool to have in the kitchen!
Very nice presentation….bought the cheap zoodler….worked well and I love them! Thank you….
Hi Bill – Glad your zoodles turned out great!
I have found an excellent method to remove moisture from the zucchini noodles which for me, is the key to cooking them.
I spiralize the noodles, place them in a couple of tea towels or wrap them in paper towels, put them in a bowl and into the refrigerator for at LEAST 4 hours before cooking them. You can even do this overnight. The moisture absorbs into the towel instead of remaining in your zucchini. If you then subsequently saute the zucchini quickly in oil/butter/whatever, they come out “al dente.” No More Mushy Noodles!
Wonderful learning for me . Thank you 😊
Slightly bland. Not a big a big cook…would love suggestions on how to make it more flavorful…not just garlic.. thank you! It was the fastest meal I’ve ever made….
Hi Trish – I have plenty of zucchini noodle recipes on my website! This recipe is just a basic method to show you how to properly prep and cook zucchini noodles :)
Great ideas for creating zucchini entrees. Great review of the “tools” to make the “pasta”. Delicious recipes. Thanks !!
Happy you loved the recipe and post, Mike!
Excellent, easy instructions! Thank you. My guys love to help with the spiralizer. I left out the parmesean cheese as we had Kosher-observant guests. We added some red onions and pine nuts which made this very complete and tasty dish.
Glad these zucchini noodles were easy to make!
Hi, Lisa! I’m very new to “zoodles” and spiralizer-ing. I tried your Easy garlic Parmesan noodles and even though I was very skeptical, I was wowed by how good that dish tasted! I’m hooked! I will be making this dish again and other of your recipes, too! Thank you very much! The only thing I changed up in this recipe is that I added some leftover cut up bacon. Really good! Thank you! D
I just got an Oxo spiralizer which has a “spaghetti” blade for thinner zoodles and a “fettucini” blade for thicker noodles. Is it better to make thicker zoodles for your garlic parmesan and chicken-spinach-parmesan zoodle recipes? Thanks much!
That’s totally fine!
That doesn’t answer the question of which is better fettuccine or spaghetti width for this recipe.
Either is fine, it’s personal preference. But, I usually make thinner noodles.
Tasty and easy to knock for a quick week night dinner, pair with fish or chicken. Winner.
Glad this worked out great for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
How could Zoodles be stored raw?
After you’ve spiralized several zucchini, line a large plastic or glass storage container with a paper towel, add your noodles, and place in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days.
I really want to try zoodles in a spaghetti casserole that is baked. Typically, i would boil the standard noodles in water then add to the sauce and bake. Assuming I would just use the zoodles raw, will they become to soggy when baked?
Yes, I would recommend adding them raw. And they will become a bit soggy when baked, but should still be delicious!
I have had “limited” success with making zucchini noodles until I followed these instructions! Thank you Lisa! No more mushy soggy zoodles!
This is excellent and quite easy to make! Thank you very much! 😋
This is amazing, Lisa! Thorough, easy to follow instructions for making Zoodles, well laid out. Today was my first try using my new zoodles machine. Super easy! You took it one step further by explaining the various methods of cooking (or leaving raw) zucchini noodles. My husband can’t eat wheat so he’s always used spaghetti squash. Zucchini zoodles are so much more attractive and unbelievably easy. Yep! Dinner tonight.
So easy, so delicious!!!
Very good and interesting
To be honest, I never tried eat zucchini noodles, because I feel it was spicy but after I read your article, I would like to try some and my friend told me this is so easy and tasty. Thanks for sharing…Keep sharing amazing content.