Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of silky, spiralized zucchini noodles smothered in a luxuriously creamy goat cheese sauce that's both decadent and surprisingly light. This Italian-inspired dish transforms humble vegetables into a restaurant-worthy meal that will make you forget all about traditional pasta. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, this zucchini noodle recipe promises to be a game-changer in your culinary repertoire.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup goat cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and trim off the ends. Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create long, thin noodles (zoodles) from the zucchinis. Set aside.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Prepare a cutting board with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves nearby.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Stir gently to prevent scorching.
- Add the minced garlic to the cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the cream.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the goat cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- In a separate skillet, quickly sauté the zucchini noodles for 1-2 minutes. Do not overcook, as they should remain slightly crisp.
- Pour the warm goat cheese sauce over the zucchini noodles, gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and the zucchini noodles are still tender-crisp.
Tips
- Spiralizer vs. Peeler: For the best texture, use a spiralizer to create uniform, long zoodles. If you don't have one, a vegetable peeler works in a pinch.
- Moisture Control: After spiralizing, pat your zucchini noodles with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery sauce.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add goat cheese gradually and stir constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Don't Overcook Zoodles: Sauté zucchini noodles briefly to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil and high-quality goat cheese for the most vibrant flavors.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and the zoodles at their most tender-crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
