High-Protein Creamy Zucchini Spaghetti is delicious. We require very simple components that we can easily get from any store. It has whole-wheat spaghetti, olive oil, whole-wheat breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, onion, garlic, zucchini, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, basil, and seasonings. This pasta has dairy items in it, so use the vegan alternatives if you have an allergy. This dish is prepared in 35 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. You can easily store this High-Protein Creamy Zucchini Spaghetti for some time in both the fridge and the freezer, so it is good for meal prep. Serve this pasta with grilled chicken breast, Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus to make it more flavorful and satisfying.
STATS:
- Caloric count: 435 kcal
- Preparation Duration: Fifteen minutes
- Cooking Duration: Twenty minutes
- Total Duration: Thirty-five minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
- Serving Size: 1 & ½ cups
- Course: Main Course
- Diet: High-Protein, Vegetarian
- Servings: 4
EQUIPMENT:
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Big pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Microplane
- Serving bowls
- Cutting board
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup plain dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp. grated lemon zest
- 1 small yellow onion
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 6 medium garlic cloves
- 1 medium zucchini
- ½ tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 6 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
INGREDIENT NOTES:
WHOLE-WHEAT SPAGHETTI:
- We utilize this to prepare the dish. It will offer more protein and fiber than regular pasta while making the meal more filling. We have to cook it until al dente, so it keeps the perfect texture.
WHOLE-WHEAT BREADCRUMBS:
- Add the whole-wheat breadcrumbs to make a crispy topping. It will add a crunchy texture and nicely complement the creamy spaghetti. We have to toast them until they become golden brown.
ITALIAN SEASONING:
- Add the Italian seasoning, but it should be free from salt so we can add it as we like. It also includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to bring out the flavor, and adjust the amount as you like.
LEMON ZEST & LEMON JUICE:
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to provide a fresh citrus flavor. They will balance the richness of the cream sauce and make the pasta taste brighter.
ZUCCHINI:
- Add the zucchini to add a slight bite, and it is one of the key components of this pasta. We have to make thin slices so they get cooked in equal time.
HEAVY CREAM:
- Add it to make the sauce creamy, & indulgent. It will coat every strand of spaghetti and provide a luxurious texture.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
- Add the Parmesan cheese to add savory flavor and also make the sauce creamy. We have to grate it fresh to provide good results.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Add the water to the pan and let it boil, then add the spaghetti and cook as it is on the pack.
- Then save half a cup of pasta water and strain the leftover.
- Include the olive oil in big pan & heat it on medium flame.
- Include the breadcrumbs and Italian seasonings in it and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, and mix till brown.
- Add to the vessel and mix in the lemon zest.
- Include the olive oil in the same pan, include the onions, and cook for around 4 minutes till soft.
- Then include the garlic & cook for 30 seconds till aromatic.
- Add the zucchini, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt, and mix; cook them for five to six minutes.
- Include heavy cream & let it simmer lightly.
- Put the Parmesan cheese in it and mix properly till the cheese melts in the smooth sauce.
- Add the lemon juice and mix, then include the spaghetti and mix till everything is mixed.
- Add them equally in the serving vessel.
- Then sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs mix and basil and serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
PROTEIN:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Baked salmon
- Grilled tofu
VEGETABLE:
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- Sautéed spinach
SALADS:
- Caesar salad
- Arugula salad
- Greek salad
BREAD:
- Focaccia
- Rustic sourdough
- Herb breadsticks
GARNISHES:
- Parmesan
- Lemon wedges
- Red pepper flakes
TIPS:
- We have to cook the pasta just till it gets soft so it doesn’t get overly mushy.
- Save some pasta water to alter the consistency to make the silky sauce.
- Grate the parmesan cheese fresh to provide the smooth texture.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the remaining spaghetti to the tight vessel and store for three days.
FREEZER:
- Put the spaghetti in the vessel and freeze for two months.
FAQs:
Will I utilize the traditional spaghetti to make this salad?
- Yes, you can easily utilize the traditional spaghetti to prepare this salad, but the whole wheat one will offer more fiber content along with protein, which makes it more filling.
How to add extra protein in the salad?
- Include shrimp, grilled chicken, tofu, white beans, & turkey in the salad to add extra protein to it.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Caloric Count: 435 kcal
Net Carbs: 43 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 18 g
Total Carbs: 48 g
Total Fat: 20 g
Calcium: 0.26 g
Iron: 0.003 g
Serving Size: 1½ cups
Vitamin A: 0.00018 g
Sodium: 0.42 g
Potassium: 0.42 g
Servings: 4
