Zucchini Noodle Alfredo Recipe

Jan 5 2016
Today's small change/big result? We're saving you hundreds of carby calories by swapping out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles... or as we like to say, Z'paghetti! We've also got a DIY all-natural Alfredo sauce with its own secret ingredient. You'll never look at pasta the same way again...

Zucchini Noodles 101

Why zucchini? Here's the skinny... A single cup of regular prepared pasta has around 200 calories and 40 grams of carbs (SmartPoints® value 5*). That's a lot for such a measly portion size. With cooked zucchini noodles, on the other hand, you can have TWO cups for about 70 calories and 14 grams of carbs (SmartPoints® value 0*). The zucchini also has about 4 grams of filling fiber. SOLD.

What you'll need: We highly recommend picking up a spiral vegetable slicer, like the Veggetti. You can get one for 10 to 15 bucks on Amazon or at a store like Bed Bath & Beyond. It's super simple to use and a great investment. After all, we're talking pasta made from veggies, people! You can also use a standard veggie peeler, but a spiralizer will give you the quickest and best results.

How to make 'em: Using a spiral vegetable slicer, cut whole zucchini into spaghetti-like noodles. (If you don't have a spiralizer, peel zucchini into super-thin strips, rotating the zucchini after each strip.) Roughly chop for shorter noodles. Next, spray a skillet with nonstick spray; then cook and stir the zucchini noodles until hot and slightly softened, about 3 minutes. If needed, drain to remove excess liquid. Easy peasy!

Zucchini-Noodle Alfredo Recipe

Print Z'paghetti Girlfredo Print

1/2 of recipe (about 2 cups): 247 calories, 8g total fat (4g sat. fat), 789mg sodium, 30g carbs, 9.5g fiber, 18.5g sugars, 20.5g protein

Click for WW Points® value*

Recipe time! And zucchini isn't the only calorie-saving secret ingredient -- this Alfredo sauce is made with pureed cauliflower! You've gotta try it to believe it...

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

28 oz. (about 4 medium) zucchini

4 cups roughly chopped cauliflower

1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

2 tsp. chopped garlic

1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper

1/2 cup fat-free milk

Optional topping: chopped fresh basil

Directions:

Using a spiral vegetable slicer, cut zucchini into spaghetti-like noodles. (If you don't have a spiral veggie slicer, peel zucchini into thin strips, rotating the zucchini after each strip.) Roughly chop for shorter noodles.

Place cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/4 cup water. Cover and microwave for 5 minutes, or until soft. Drain excess liquid. 

In a blender or food processor, combine cooked cauliflower, 1/4 cup Parm, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add milk and 3 tbsp. warm water. Blend on high speed until smooth and uniform.

Bring an extra-large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Cook and stir zucchini noodles until hot and slightly softened, about 3 minutes.

Transfer noodles to a strainer, and thoroughly drain excess liquid.

Combine drained noodles and sauce in a large bowl and mix well. Reheat, if needed.

Top each serving with 1/2 tbsp. of remaining Parm.

MAKES 2 SERVINGS

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Chew on this:

Today, January 5th, is National Whipped Cream Day. We've got a couple of low-calorie, all-natural suggestions: Skinny Truwhip and So Delicious Dairy Free CocoWhip! So good on fresh berries...

You like your friends, right? Then don't hold back! Share this zucchini-noodle info and Alfredo swap by clicking "Send to a Friend" or sharing it on Facebook.

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*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

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