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Zucchini Noodles with Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce (Low-Carb) Recipe


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Zucchini Noodles:

  • 4 medium zucchini (spiralized into noodles)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce (Low-Carb Olive Garden Style):

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added depth of flavor)

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)

For the Dressing (Alfredo Glaze):

  • Extra Alfredo sauce (for drizzling over top)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Noodles

  • Begin by spiralizing the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.
  • Sprinkle the zoodles lightly with salt and let them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes to drain excess water.
  • After the zucchini has released some water, gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent a soggy dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini Noodles

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until slightly softened. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become too soft and watery. You want them to retain a slight bite, similar to al dente pasta.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
  • Once the butter is melted, slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
  • Add garlic powder (or fresh garlic), black pepper, and a pinch of salt. If you like a deeper, richer flavor, you can also add a dash of nutmeg.
  • Stir the sauce continuously over low heat for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

Step 4: Combine the Zucchini Noodles and Alfredo Sauce

  • Add the cooked zucchini noodles to the Alfredo sauce and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
  • Allow the noodles to sit in the sauce for a minute or two so that they absorb some of the rich flavors.

Step 5: Toast the Walnuts (Optional)

  • If desired, toast the chopped walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  • Transfer the Alfredo-coated zucchini noodles to serving plates.
  • Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and top with toasted walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Drizzle with a bit of extra Alfredo sauce to enhance the richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 490
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Protein: 12g