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