RAMEN ZOODLES
3-minute read/ 525 words
If you love ramen noodles but are trying to be healthy, give these cheesy ramen zoodles a try!
These cheesy ramen zoodles are delicious on their own, but they’re also the perfect base for an easy, healthy meal. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, turkey meatballs, or white beans to turn this simple recipe into a filling lunch or dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Ramen Zoodles
- Only 6 simple ingredients
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Easy to customize
- A delicious way to eat more vegetables
- Great as a customizable base recipe, side dish, or light lunch
Why These Ingredients Work
Zucchini
A great low-calorie vegetable that’s full of water and provides vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Garlic
Adds incredible flavor while bringing natural antioxidants to every bite.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds a rich, savory flavor that transforms these zoodles into a warm, comforting bowl without the heaviness of a creamy sauce.
Spinach
One of the easiest ways to add extra vitamins, minerals, and color to your meals.
Nutritional Yeast
Creates that cheesy, savory flavor while also adding protein and B vitamins.
Olive Oil
Adds richness while helping your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins found in the vegetables.
Easily Make It Your Own
This recipe is versatile and pairs well with your favorite ramen add-ins.
Add More Protein
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- White beans
- Cottage cheese
Add More Veggies
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Broccoli
Boost the Flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
- Lemon zest, juice, or lemon pepper seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
When This Recipe Comes in Handy
This recipe is perfect when:
- You need a quick weeknight main meal (with some additions) or side dish.
- You have zucchini to use before it goes bad.
- You’re trying to eat more vegetables.
- You want something warm without spending an hour cooking.
- You need an easy lunch that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Looking For More Simple Recipes?
If you love recipes with just a few ingredients, grab my FREE 3-Ingredient Treats Guide. It’s packed with quick, healthier desserts that are perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all afternoon baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can I freeze zucchini noodles?
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because zucchini releases quite a bit of water after thawing.
Is nutritional yeast required?
It’s what gives this recipe its signature cheesy flavor, but you could substitute freshly grated Parmesan if dairy isn’t a concern.
Save money by spiralizing your own zucchini with this affordable Handheld Spiralizer.
Easy 6-Ingredient Cheesy Ramen Zoodles
Course: Main, Sides4
servings120
5g
9g
9g
15
minutesThese cheesy garlic zucchini noodles are made with just five simple ingredients and come together in about 15 minutes. A quick, healthy main or side dish packed with veggies and big flavor.
Ingredients
2 tbls extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or jarred minced garlic
3 medium zucchini, spiralized
1 1/2 cups chicken broth or bone broth
3 cups baby spinach
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
- Slowly add in the chicken or bone broth, and stir gently.
- Add the spiralized zucchini and cook for 4 minutes or until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the spinach and continue cooking until wilted.
- Sprinkle in the nutritional yeast and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the zucchini or it can become watery.
Pat zucchini noodles dry with paper towels if they seem extra wet.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or white beans for extra protein.
Finish with fresh basil, parsley, or my favorite – lemon pepper for even more flavor.
Turn It Into a Complete Meal
This simple zoodle recipe is delicious on its own, but adding a protein turns it into a satisfying lunch or dinner without much extra work.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Zoodles
Perfect for meal prep and one of my favorite ways to use leftover grilled chicken.
Add: 12 ounces cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
Directions: Stir the cooked chicken into the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking until heated through.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: ~245
- Protein: ~30 g
- Carbs: ~8 g
- Fat: ~10 g
Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Zoodles
A quick dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together in about 15 minutes.
Add: 12 ounces peeled, cooked shrimp
Directions: Add the shrimp during the final 2 minutes of cooking, just long enough to warm through.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: ~205
- Protein: ~22 g
- Carbs: ~8 g
- Fat: ~10 g
Cheesy Garlic White Bean Zoodles
A simple vegetarian option that’s hearty, filling, and packed with fiber.
Add: 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Directions: Stir the beans in with the spinach until warmed through.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: ~235
- Protein: ~10 g
- Carbs: ~22 g
- Fat: ~9 g
- Fiber: ~7 g
Choose Your Own Protein
| If you have | Add | Protein Per Serving |
| Chicken | 12 oz. cooked chicken, chopped or shredded | 30 g |
| Shrimp | 12 oz cooked shrimp | 22 g |
| White Beans | 1 can of cannellini beans | 10 g |
| Turkey Meatballs | 12 oz. cooked | 24 g |
| Cottage Cheese | 1/2 cup added at the end | 11 g |
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