Are you craving a delicious pasta experience without the heavy carbs? Get ready to transform your dinner game with these mind-blowing Instant Pot Zucchini Noodles that will make you forget traditional pasta ever existed! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering, nutritious meal that's not only incredibly tasty but also packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling light and satisfied.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off both ends. Use a spiralizer to create long, thin noodles from the zucchini, ensuring they are uniform in size.
- Place the olive oil in the bottom of the Instant Pot, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking. This will help create a non-stick surface for the zucchini noodles.
- Gently place the spiralized zucchini noodles into the Instant Pot, being careful not to compact them too tightly. The noodles should be loosely arranged to allow even heating.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the zucchini noodles, ensuring they are lightly coated but not completely submerged. This will help prevent them from becoming too watery.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position. Select the "Steam" function and set the timer for 2-3 minutes, depending on how al dente you prefer your zucchini noodles.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, immediately perform a quick release to prevent overcooking. Carefully open the lid, allowing steam to escape away from you.
- Using tongs, transfer the zucchini noodles to serving plates, making sure to drain any excess liquid.
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the noodles, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the light and fresh zucchini noodles with the rich marinara sauce.
Tips
- Choose firm, fresh zucchini for the best texture and spiralizing results
- Don't overcook the zucchini noodles - 2-3 minutes is perfect to maintain a slight crunch
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for maximum flavor impact
- Pat the zucchini noodles dry after cooking to prevent excess water
- Experiment with different cheese and herb combinations for variety
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish
- Always do a quick release in the Instant Pot to prevent mushy noodles
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
