Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage

Everyone is searching for more ways to use zoodles, so let’s talk about this simple sausage and zucchini noodle recipe that makes a delicious healthy dinner. It's ready in just 20 minutes, packed with flavor, and is a great low-carb option when you are craving pasta. 

The key to making zucchini noodles delicious is knowing how to cook them and pairing them with a flavor-packed ingredient like sausage. The rest is easy.  Add some garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese, and dinner is ready.

Truth be told, I have been making a version of this at least once a week for dinner and the whole family loves it. Normally I make mine with just zucchini noodles and then mix in some real pasta for the bigger eaters in my home.

If you still are looking for ways to use up all that summer zucchini, try these Shrimp Scampi Zoodles, Asian Zucchini Noodles, or Ground Turkey and Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles.

Ingredients and Swaps

• Zucchini: The base of this recipe is zucchini noodles. Homemade zoodles or store-bought zucchini noodles will work. You could also swap in spaghetti squash and other veggie noodles.
• Sausage: To keep this dish light, usually I make it with ground turkey sausage. Any type of ground sausage can be used. Sausage links also work but they won't infuse the dish with quite as much flavor. To make it even lighter, make your own sausage with lean ground turkey. 
• Garlic: Most pasta dishes are packed with garlic and this recipe isn't any different. Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor. If the sausage has a lot of garlic flavor, you could leave it out. 
• Parmesan: Cheese is a great way to finish a zucchini noodle dish. It adds richness, a slightly nutty flavor, and salt. This can be left off to make the recipe Paleo or Whole30 friendly. 
• Red pepper flakes: Leave this out if you prefer things less spicy or if you use spicy sausage.
• Butter and olive oil: The combination of butter and garlic adds richness to the dish. Feel free to use just olive oil or just butter if you prefer. 

How to Make Zucchini Noodles

Here are the three easiest ways to make zucchini noodles.

• Spiralizer: This is the most popular and easiest way to make zucchini noodles. Both the larger spiralizers and hand-hold options work great.
• Mandolin: Carefully slice the zucchini into planks that are about 1/8 inch thick. Then use a knife to slice those planks into noodles.
• Vegetable peeler: There are some great vegetable peelers on the market to make vegetable noodles. They work just like a normal peeler but "peel" the vegetable into noodles. 

Note: Many grocery stores also sell premade zucchini noodles in the fresh produce section or freezer aisle. 

Recipe Ideas

• Add more flavors with cherry tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, or sundried tomatoes.
• For more veggies, add some sauteed mushrooms or sauteed cauliflower.
• Instead of Parmesan cheese, melt shredded mozzarella on top for a baked pasta-style dish. 
• Try this recipe with a different noodle or use a combination of zucchini noodles and traditional pasta. 

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles

Although this dish is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, it is also delicious with a simple side dish. Salad is a great side dish for pasta. This Spinach Salad and Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad are both delicious. If you love the combination of pasta and bread, make these Two Ingredient Breadsticks or Garlic Knots.