Easy Zoodles Recipe (Zucchini Noodles for Beginners)

by Shelley Β· May contain affiliate links

Published β€’ Updated October 8, 2021

~ This Easy Zoodles Recipe is the perfect way to try Zucchini Noodles and ease your family into the idea of spiralized veggies! (Although, honestly, we make this all the time now.) Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s a fun way to step up your pasta game and add more veggies into dinnertime! ~

This Recipe Is:     Ready in 30 Minutes or Less    Includes Make-Ahead Steps    Vegetarian (depending on choice of sauce)  

Want to try Zoodles? Here’s how to start! This super-easy basic Zoodles Recipe is the perfect way to ease your family into trying Zucchini Noodles. By mixing spiralized Zoodles and spaghetti, you reap benefits all around … reduced calories and great vitamins from the zucchini noodles, plus all the fiber and whole-grain goodness of whole wheat spaghetti. Spiralizer recipes are a fun, creative way to eat more veggies … and this easy Zoodle Recipe is a great first step! | www.TwoHealthyKitchens.com
Want to try Zoodles? Here’s how to start! This super-easy basic Zoodles Recipe is the perfect way to ease your family into trying Zucchini Noodles. By mixing spiralized Zoodles and spaghetti, you reap benefits all around … reduced calories and great vitamins from the zucchini noodles, plus all the fiber and whole-grain goodness of whole wheat spaghetti. Spiralizer recipes are a fun, creative way to eat more veggies … and this easy Zoodle Recipe is a great first step! | www.TwoHealthyKitchens.com

An easy way to try zucchini noodles is to mix them in with your favorite whole wheat spaghetti!

It’s official. Zoodles are a thing. A thing that’s here to stay.

I can’t find an authoritative dictionary that recognizes the word, but they’re for real, all the same.

They’ve kept many a food blogger happily creating new recipes until the wee hours … which is just about the time that spiralizer informercials start touting the joys of zoodle-everything.

It took me a while to give in. I mean, I had nothing against the idea – I was just too busy with other recipe creations to make it to the zoodle fad. I’m generally a late-adopter, anyway, so why rush things?

Finally, after doing a ridiculous amount of research and having unjustifiably lengthy internal debates, I bought a spiralizer (and then a couple more – these are the first two spiralizers I bought, which are still the two I’d recommend checking out: the Spiralizer 5-Blade and the Mueller 4-Blade).

And then I zoodled. (Ok ok … if zoodle the noun isn’t a real word yet, I’m pretty sure zoodled the verb isn’t either … well, until now. We’re going with it!)

I zoodled, and I loved it. My family was enthralled. It seriously was that easy, and mounds of gorgeous, curly noodles appeared from a plain-jane zucchini. In mere moments.

Zucchini noodles are so pretty, so nutritious, and really low in calories – and zoodles recipes are a terrific way to work more veggies into your family’s diet!

Ok. I wanted in. Late-adopter or not, I was the newest card-carrying member of the Zoodle Fan Club.

If you haven’t gotten your Fan Club card yet (nor learned the Zoodling alma mater), fear not. I’ve gotcha covered.

So, for the totally uninitiated, let’s go back to the beginning.

Exactly What Are Zoodles?

Wellllll … we’ll use some grammar math to sort that one out.

Zucchini + Noodle = Zoodle.

It’s a zucchini noodle!

Depending on the exact contraption you use to create your zoodles, they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and thicknesses, but spaghetti-shaped zoodles are sort of the basic, most common zoodle species.

And Just How Do You Make Zoodles?

With a zoodler, of course! Sounds like a Dr. Seuss invention, no? Actually, the technical term for a zoodler is a spiralizer.

A good spiralizer makes quick work of zucchini, turning it into gorgeous mounds of zoodles in no time!

Spiralizers come in a range of prices and designs, and Amazon is happy to offer you more options than you could possibly hope to sort through. But, like I said, after doing a ton of research and ordering a few to try, these are the two I use and love: the Spiralizer 5-Blade and the Mueller 4-Blade.

Basically, spiralizers involve blades that … with just a few twists … turn your veggie into spiralized noodles or ribbons.

You can spiralize vegetables – and even fruits – in loads of imaginative ways. I get all twitchy with excitement just thinking about it. Why, you ask? Because …

Why Are Zoodles So Awesome?

1) Well, for one thing because they’re just fun to eat. If you remember our posts on parenting picky eaters, you’ll recall that one of our pillars is “It’s All About the Marketing.” Cascading curlicues of zoodles make vegetables fun. Sold!

2) Also, they’re nutritious. A terrific way to work more veggies into your family’s diet. Like I said, you can spiralize all sorts of produce, working in great nutrition in so many ways.

But since we’re focusing on zucchini noodles today, it’s worth noting that zucchini is low in calories and carbs, and both fat-free and cholesterol-free. Yet, zucchini is notably high in vitamins C and B-6, and also offers good amounts of vitamin K, riboflavin, folate, potassium and manganese. So, for those of you looking to trim a few calories here and there, it’s a smart swap for some or all of the pasta in some of your recipes. (Healthy zucchini side note: if you’re a big zucchini fan, be sure to check out ALLLLLL our other Healthy, Easy Zucchini Recipes, too!)

Top your zoodle and spaghetti mixture with your favorite pasta sauce, and even add a bit of shredded cheese. In minutes, dinner is served! A 15-minute meal you can feel great serving your family!

3) Also, zoodles are honestly quick and easy to make. I’m normally not a huge gadget girl myself, but my spiralizers are truly a snap to use, and they clean up quickly. Totally not a hassle.

Convinced yet? Then let’s go! Our Beginner’s Zoodle Recipe is the perfect way to start exploring all the tantalizing zoodle possibilities!

Starting with an Easy Swap-Out

Again, going back to our guidelines for picky eaters, it’s often smart to ease kiddos (and … ahem … spouses) into new eating adventures.

Sure – you may be eagerly signing on the dotted line of that Zoodle Fan Club, but is the rest of your fam just as committed? If not, this easy-peasy beginner recipe is a great way to introduce the idea, without scaring off the timid or less adventuresome.

In the same way that we suggest introducing whole wheat pasta by swapping some into a recipe, in exchange for just part of your regular, white pasta … here we’re subbing in just a few zoodles for part of the spaghetti you’d normally serve.

This zoodles recipe should work beautifully with pretty much any sauce you typically use with regular-old spaghetti. Here we’ve topped it with a simple marinara, but feel free to get creative!

Plus, you reap the benefits of both whole wheat pasta (all that whole grain nutrition!) and zucchini noodles (yay – more veggies!) by using a bit of each.

Tips for Making These Easy Zucchini Noodles

1) The Proportions Are Flexible – The recipe card at the bottom of this post offers a proportion to start you off, but honestly, the exact ratio of pasta to zoodles is absolutely variable. There’s no need to be precise.

You can change the ratio up depending on how much zucchini you happen to have, or how much your family starts to like love zucchini noodles after a few tries!

2) The Cooking Time Is Flexible, Too – We don’t exactly “cook” the zoodles for this recipe, other than letting the boiling pasta water stream over them as the pasta drains. That gives the zoodles the perfect consistency, in our opinion. They’re not too soft – they’ve still got a tiny bit of toothsome life left in them. But they are a little bit softer – not totally crunchy-fresh. They’re also perfectly warmed through.

How do you cook zoodles, you ask? There are lots of variations, but in this instance, my family prefers simply draining hot pasta water over them. They’re still a little crunchy and not over-cooked. Perfect!

If your family prefers their zoodles more cooked, you can simply toss the zoodles right into the pasta pot during the last two or three minutes that your pasta is cooking. Or, if you like crunchier zoodles, you can wait to mix them into the hot pasta until after you’ve drained off all the boiling water, stirring the zoodles through just before serving.

One thing I’ve found about zoodles – they’re super-adaptable. You’ve definitely got choices, whether you choose to make true zoodle recipes with zucchini, or get creative with your handy new kitchen gadget to make spiralizer recipes with other veggies.

You can change up the proportions of pasta and zucchini noodles based on your family’s preferences.

The first choice is the very easiest, though. Choose to make this zoodle recipe tonight!

Easy Zoodles Recipe (Zucchini Noodles for Beginners)

Easy Zoodles Recipe (Zucchini Noodles for Beginners)

Yield: 4 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes

This Easy Zoodles Recipe is a great introduction to Zucchini Noodles! Ready in about 15 minutes. Add more veggies to dinner!

  Ready in 30 Minutes or Less    Includes Make-Ahead Steps    Vegetarian (depending on choice of sauce)  

Ingredients

  • 1 (9-10 ounce) zucchini
  • 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
  • your favorite pasta sauce, warmed

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and oil.
  2. Meanwhile, make the zoodles: First, remove the zucchini's stem. Then, using a spiralizer's spaghetti blade, spiralize the zucchini (which should yield about 8 ounces / 3 cups of zoodles).
  3. Place zoodles in the bottom of the colander where you will drain off the boiling pasta water. When the pasta is done cooking, drain the pasta over top of the zoodles in the colander.
  4. Toss zoodles and pasta together to combine, and place in a serving bowl, topped with your favorite sauce.

Notes

Zoodle texture: We prefer this method of "cooking" the zoodles, simply by allowing the hot pasta cooking water to drain over the zoodles as you strain the pasta. It warms the zoodles and softens them slightly without overcooking. If you prefer your zoodles more cooked, however, you can add the spiralized zucchini to the pasta pot in the last 2-3 minutes that your pasta is cooking. Alternately, if you prefer your zucchini noodles more al dente, you can wait to toss them with the cooked pasta after the pasta has been drained.

Equipment note: As I mentioned in the post, I did a lot of research into various spiralizers before I purchased my first one. I've tried a few, and these two are the ones I liked best and still enjoy using: the Spiralizer 5-Blade and the Mueller 4-Blade.

Make ahead tips: You can spiralize your zucchini up to a day ahead and refrigerate until using. Also, the cooked pasta and zucchini rewarms beautifully for leftovers.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 servings Serving Size: 1 heaping cup (plus sauce, which is not included in calculation)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 94Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 4g

Nutrition information does not include pasta sauce, since your choice of brand and quantity may vary significantly. Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only, and may additionally vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation. No guarantees are made regarding allergies or dietary needs. Always consult a physician or dietician for specific advice and questions.

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Spiralized veggies are a fun way to get your family eating more produce. This zoodles recipe is an easy place to start!

10 thoughts on “Easy Zoodles Recipe (Zucchini Noodles for Beginners)”

    • It really is a kid-freindly way to work in more veggies. But, honestly, my husband and I enjoy these zoodles just as much as the kiddos! And every time I break out my spiralizer, I remember all over again how much fun it is to use! πŸ˜€ ~Shelley

      Reply
    • Hi, David! Don’t worry about being late to the party lol – the party is ready and waiting, whenever you are! And definitely, mixing the zoodles with regular pasta is a perfect way to ease into the zucchini noodles scene. My family eats LOADS of whole-wheat spaghetti, and that definitely has its own nutrition benefits, but swapping in some zoodles is such a great way to lighten the calories a bit and add some diversity in the nutrients. You’ll never look back! ~Shelley

      Reply
    • Oh – you must have popped over here from our “Zoodles recipes round-up” (https://twohealthykitchens.com/33-healthy-zoodles-zucchini-noodles-recipes/)! I know – those recipes really all look so amazing – I had a great time narrowing down all the recipe submissions we got, to try to pick out the very, very best ones to share with our readers! And I’m delighted that this one especially appealed to you – it’s the perfect way for you to dive into zoodles recipes!

      And if you love zoodles and spiralizer recipes, stay tuned … I’ve got another fantastic round-up coming up in the next few weeks – all about spiralizer recipes for things BESIDES zucchini! πŸ˜‰ ~Shelley

      Reply
  1. Thanks for this awesome beginner “zoodle initiation” guide! I don’t have a spiralizer, and the zoodles they sell in packs at my grocery store often look sad and limp (and are terribly overpriced), but you may have just convinced me to go buy my own. I love that they’re so easy to use! And I actually wasn’t aware of all those health benefits of zucchini – good thing it’s one of my favorite vegetables!

    Also, I really LOVE your writing style – it’s so captivating and witty. I aspire to write like that, and will definitely be using you as inspiration. Thanks for the great recipe and inspiration! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Oh Shannon – your note just absolutely made my day! Thank you so much! I’m actually working on a couple of zoodle and spiralizer round-up posts, right this very minute (so stay tuned for more terrific ideas on how to use that spiralizer you’re considering!). And I’m thinking maybe I’ll even do a little buyer’s guide, since I spent waaaaaaaay too long scouring for reviews and weighing the options before I purchased all mine – may as well help somebody else out in making their buying decision, right?!?!

      And I hear ya about those store-bought zoodles! I was really excited to see some at Costco a few weeks ago, and they had a little demo station set up to try them. I was NOT impressed. Disappointing. When it’s so easy to make your own in moments, why buy those sad, bedraggled, pre-packaged ones?

      Thanks again for your kind words – you’ve lit a fire under my behind to get more zoodle help pumped out there … more to come … πŸ˜€ ~Shelley

      Reply
      • No problem Shelley, it’s all very well deserved! πŸ™‚ I’m so excited to see your next zoodle posts (and all your other posts, for that matter) – as soon as I send this message, I’ll subscribe so I’m sure not to miss any from here on out πŸ˜‰

        Your buying guide sounds awesome – it always takes me so long to sift through reviews, then I find I go back and forth between 2 or 3 products for the longest time, so having your guide will be a HUGE help! Can’t wait πŸ˜€

      • Alrighty then – sounds like I’ve got work to do! And yes, I know what you mean about going back and forth between a couple of products – took me FOREVER to decide about my first spiralizer! Ok … maybe I can draft up something that will help! It’s good to know that people would find that useful – thanks so much for the input! Have a fantastic weekend! ~Shelley

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