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To make Minute Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Noodles, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 large lemon - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a light and zesty dish. The zucchinis serve as the base, making this meal healthy and low-carb. The olive oil adds richness while the garlic brings warmth. The star of this dish is the lemon, giving a bright, fresh flavor. Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and depth. You can adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Finally, fresh basil not only looks great but also enhances the dish's aroma. Enjoy crafting this quick meal with these fresh ingredients! Start by spiralizing your zucchinis. If you lack a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works well too. Create long, noodle-like strands or thin ribbons. Aim for even shapes to cook uniformly. Next, take a large skillet. Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir often to prevent browning. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish. Now, gently add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic oil. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently until the noodles are tender but still slightly crunchy. This keeps them al dente. Sprinkle in the lemon zest and juice. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Stir everything together to coat the noodles evenly. Let the flavors blend beautifully. Remove the skillet from heat. Now, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles. Toss gently to mix. The heat will melt the cheese slightly, adding creaminess to the dish. Plate your zesty zucchini noodles right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. For extra cheesiness, add more Parmesan on top. Serve in shallow bowls to highlight the vibrant colors. To get the best texture from zucchini noodles, you want them to stay firm. Cook them just right by sautéing for 2-3 minutes. Toss them often in the hot oil to ensure even cooking. If they get too soft, they can turn mushy. You want a nice bite, so don’t overcook them. Want to spice it up? Try adding more herbs or spices. Basil works great, but you can also use parsley or oregano. For a kick, add more red pepper flakes. A pinch of lemon zest can brighten the dish, too. If you like, toss in some toasted pine nuts for a crunchy twist. Serve your zucchini noodles in shallow bowls. This way, the bright colors pop. Add a lemon slice on the side for a fresh look. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for flair. Use whole basil leaves to decorate each bowl, making it look fancy and inviting. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your dish. Try cooked chicken or shrimp for a boost. Simply sauté the protein in the skillet before adding the zucchini noodles. This adds flavor and makes it a full meal. If you want shrimp, cook them until they turn pink. For chicken, use grilled or rotisserie chicken for ease. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, chickpeas or avocado work great. Chickpeas add protein and a nice texture. You can mix them in with the noodles. For avocado, slice it and add it on top for creaminess. This makes your meal hearty and satisfying without meat. This recipe is already low-carb, but you can swap ingredients for gluten-free options. Instead of regular Parmesan, look for gluten-free cheese. You can also add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for crunch. These additions keep the meal light while ensuring you meet gluten-free needs. To store leftovers, place the zucchini noodles in a clean, airtight container. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. You can keep them in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. If you notice any moisture, use a paper towel to absorb it before sealing. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the noodles soggy. Instead, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to warm them up. Stir gently for about 2 to 3 minutes. This keeps them firm and tasty. I don’t recommend freezing zucchini noodles. They lose their crunch and become mushy when thawed. If you must freeze them, spiralize and blanch them first. Then, cool them in ice water before freezing. Use a freezer-safe bag and try to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. You can use a vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons. First, wash the zucchini. Then, hold it steady and peel long strips. This gives you a noodle-like texture. You can also use a box grater. Just run the zucchini down the large holes. It creates small, noodle-like pieces. These methods make great substitutes for spiralized noodles. Yes, you can use frozen zucchini noodles. However, they may lose some texture. Fresh zucchini noodles stay crunchy and have a better bite. If you use frozen ones, thaw them first and drain excess water. This helps keep your dish from getting too watery. For best results, use fresh zucchini for this recipe. To keep zucchini noodles crunchy, avoid overcooking them. Sauté them for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps them tender yet firm. After spiralizing, you can also salt the noodles lightly. Let them sit for a few minutes, then pat dry with paper towels. This draws out extra moisture, helping maintain their crunch. In this blog post, I covered how to make delicious zucchini noodles. First, I explained the key ingredients needed, like fresh zucchinis and lemon juice. Next, I provided step-by-step instructions to cook and flavor them. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and suggested tasty variations. Lastly, I offered storage advice and answered common questions. Zucchini noodles are a fun and healthy option. Give them a try and enjoy!

Minute Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Noodles

Delight your taste buds with these Zesty Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Noodles, a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic dish! This easy recipe combines spiralized zucchini, garlic, and a zesty lemon-Parmesan sauce that’s sure to impress. In just 15 minutes, you can create a vibrant, healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight with this deliciously simple dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Zest of 1 large lemon

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, for garnish

Instructions
 

Spiralize the Zucchini: Begin by spiralizing the zucchinis with a spiralizer to create long, noodle-like strands. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons of zucchini as an alternative.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

      Incorporate Zucchini Noodles: Gently add the spiralized zucchini noodles into the skillet, tossing them in the garlic-infused oil. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are just tender yet still al dente. They should retain a slight crunch.

        Season and Add Flavor: Sprinkle in the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Season generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until evenly coated, allowing the flavors to meld.

          Melt the Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly distribute the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini noodles. Toss gently to combine, allowing the residual heat from the noodles to slightly melt the cheese for extra creaminess.

            Serve with Style: Plate the zesty zucchini noodles immediately, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma. If desired, sprinkle an additional amount of Parmesan on top for an even cheesier finish.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish, and consider adding a slice of lemon on the side for an extra touch of freshness.