Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) With Clam Sauce

Swirls of zucchini noodles with easy homemade clam sauce is a quick gluten free, paleo, and keto recipe.

My mom’s new spiralizer from Paderno World Cuisine turns zucchini into noodle-like swirls, a perfect pasta substitute. I had no idea what to expect the first time I tried zoodles, but ever since enjoying that first bowl of delicious zoodles and meatballs, I’ve been a bit zoodles obsessed.

On New Year’s Eve, my mom and I decided to try updating our family’s traditional spaghetti alle vongole, gluten-free spaghetti and clam sauce dinner, replacing the gluten-free pasta with zoodles.

Our creation turned out incredibly delicious and satisfying. So delicious and satisfying that I went back for seconds and thirds and could hardly tell I wasn’t eating pasta.

When I first started following a gluten-free diet years ago, it was very difficult to find great-tasting gluten-free noodles. Today there are many tasty brands to choose from, but I still am not a huge fan of gluten-free pasta. Until I tried zucchini noodles.

Now I can once again enjoy my favorite pasta dishes with these fresh-tasting, delightfully green zoodles: low in calories (unlike pasta!), naturally gluten-free, paleo friendly, and an excellent way to trick yourself into eating more vegetables.

The zoodles are complimented beautifully by the homemade clam sauce. Clams are a wonderful source of Vitamin A, B12, selenium, magnesium, iron, and omega-3. The clam sauce turns these zoodles into an elegant dish for any special occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need.

For your zoodles

• zucchinis
• salt
• extra-virgin olive oil
• garlic

For your sauce

• canned minced clams with juice
• white wine
• extra-virgin olive oil
• thinly sliced garlic cloves
• chopped parsley
• salt and pepper
• a tablespoon of cold butter

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

It’s hard to believe how quick and easy the sauce is to make. We heated oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Added garlic and cooked until golden.

Then added the clams and white wine, simmering until slightly thickened, just five minutes, before adding salt, pepper, parsley.

Finally, we gently stirred in cold butter, allowing it to slowly melt and contribute a luxurious richness to the sauce. This culinary method is known as “monter au beurre,” a French technique.

Pro tip

Since making zoodles several times, we’ve been experimenting with the best way to cook them. This method seems to make the best zoodles each time and prevents them from turning out soggy: Place the spiralized zucchini in a colander and toss with salt until coated.

Next, place the colander in a shallow bowl for twenty to thirty minutes while the zoodles release their moisture (you can prepare the clam sauce during this time), then pat dry with paper towels.

When the zoodles are ready to cook, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Cook the garlic until fragrant, then add the zoodles and cook abut two minutes. Stir and cook for one more minute.

Then let the zoodles sit for a few minutes to allow any excess water to be released. Drain them after this as well. Finally, transfer them to a bowl and top with the clam sauce. I’ve found that the zoodles are best when eaten right away.

Serving suggestions

• A light green salad with a lemony vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the clam sauce.
• Bacon wrapped asparagus or these restaurant-style Brussels sprouts can add a depth of flavor and texture.
• A classic Italian Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella can be a light and flavorful side.
• A crisp cucumber salad with dill and red onion can offer a cool contrast to the warmth of the zucchini noodles and clam sauce.

Pro tips and recipe notes

What other herbs go well with zucchini noodles and clam sauce? Fresh basil or a hint of thyme can enhance the flavors of zucchini noodles with clam sauce. Add them just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Can I add other seafood to the clam sauce? Certainly! Shrimp or mussels can be great additions. Ensure all seafood is cooked just until done to avoid a tough texture.

Can I make a spicy version of  zoodles with clam sauce? Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you prefer it spicier. Adjust the heat level according to your taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party? While the zucchini noodles are best when freshly cooked, you can prepare the clam sauce in advance and reheat it. Cook the zucchini noodles just before serving for the best texture.

Start off the year right with this fantastic, nutritious twist on the Italian classic: zoodles alle vongole. Spirals of zucchini masquerading as my favorite pasta dish. Enjoy!

More fun zucchini recipes

More Healthy And Delicious Zoodle Recipes Here are my favorite zoodles recipes. They’re so fun to make and very fun to eat too.

Zucchini Lasagna Recipe That Really Rocks This is a delicious low carb meal!  And I’ve included a cool cooking video so you can watch how to make it.

Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups – Rolling up grilled zucchini with bolognese sauce and fresh parmesan really takes grilled zucchini to the next level. Wow! These little roll ups make an amazing appetizer.

Bacon. Corn, And Zucchini Sauté – This easy bacon, corn, and zucchini sauté is a delicious side where the veggies really sing. 

Stuffed Zucchini Boats – This recipe features beautiful sticks of zucchini hollowed into cute, little boats and filled with sausage and Gruyere cheese. So incredibly tasty and so fun to eat too!

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Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) With Clam Sauce

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A fantastic, healthy twist on the Italian classic: zoodles alle vongole. Zoodles are complimented beautifully by a homemade clam sauce. Enjoy!

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 184kcal

Author Barbara Bianchi

Ingredients

For Zoodles

• 6 medium zucchinis
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic chopped

For Sauce

• 2 cans minced clams with juice 6.5 ounces each can
• ½ cup white wine
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cold butter

Instructions

Prep zoodles

• Cut zucchini into zoodles using a spiralizer. Place the spiralized zucchini in a colander and toss with the salt until coated. Place colander in a shallow bowl for 20 - 30 minutes while zoodles release their moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
  6 medium zucchinis, 1/4 teaspoon salt

Meanwhile, Prepare Clam Sauce

• Meanwhile in a large skillet heat oil over a medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until golden.
  ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 4 garlic cloves
• Add clams with the juice and the wine and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add parsley. Then taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
  2 cans minced clams with juice, ½ cup white wine, ¼ cup chopped parsley, salt and pepper to taste
• Finally whisk in cold butter allowing it to slowly melt and contribute a luxurious richness to the sauce. This culinary method is known as "monter au beurre," a French technique.
  1 tablespoon cold butter

Cook Zoodles

• When the zoodles are ready to cook, pat them with paper towels. Then heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in another skillet. Add 3 cloves of chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
• Add zoodles (zucchini), and cook about 2 minutes. Stir and cook for one more minute. Then let the zoodles sit for a few minutes to allow any excess water to be released, drain. Transfer to a bowl.
• Pour clam sauce over drained zoodles and gently toss. Serve with lemon wedges for those who enjoy an extra citrus kick to brighten the dish.

Notes

What other herbs go well with zucchini noodles and clam sauce? Fresh basil or a hint of thyme can enhance the flavors of zucchini noodles with clam sauce. Add them just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Can I add other seafood to the clam sauce? Certainly! Shrimp or mussels can be great additions. Ensure all seafood is cooked just until done to avoid a tough texture.

Can I make a spicy version of  zoodles with clam sauce? Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you prefer it spicier. Adjust the heat level according to your taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party? While the zucchini noodles are best when freshly cooked, you can prepare the clam sauce in advance and reheat it. Cook the zucchini noodles just before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.4g

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