Zoodles? ZUCCHINI noodles! They are the absolute best. So stinkin’ easy too. Actually I’d rather handle zucchini noodles than actual noodles. Zoodles cook so much quicker, they’re healthier, they have better texture…I could go on and on and on!

So what’s makes this zoodle recipe different than all the others? IT’S A ONE POT RECIPE! My kind of cooking! Don’t get me wrong, for whatever reason I love seeing how much counter space I can take up in the kitchen…but sometimes you just want something simple that you can throw together without making a complete mess.

makes 4 servings

1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
2 tablespoons EVOO
3 cloves garlic, minced
Italian seasoning, to taste
salt & pepper, to taste
1 large yellow squash
1 large zucchini
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup pesto (I think I used a tomato based pesto, but whatever pesto you come up with will be fine!)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Using a sprializer, spiralize both yellow squash & zucchini. Set on paper towels and set aside.
2. In an ovenproof skillet or cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef over medium to medium high heat with minced garlic, salt & pepper.
3. Once the ground beef is cooked through, add canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper, pesto & spiralized ZOODLES!
4. Keep stirring and taste testing along the way to make sure the flavor is how you want it. Zucchini is very watery and canned tomatoes don’t have a ton of flavor. Don’t worry about the mixture looking chunky or dry, the zoodles will give off more water once cooked.
5. Top with several dollops of Ricotta cheese and cover with parmesan cheese
6. Bake in 400 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes

My best advice for this recipe – SEASON WELL! My measurements are just ballpark guestimates of what I actually did. I never measure. Literally never. I don’t even know why I own measuring cups!

Taste as you go, use what you have in your cabinets and in your fridge. Don’t have canned tomatoes? Use fresh tomatoes! Don’t have pesto? Find an alternative source of flavor to add like tomato paste, ketchup, srirracha, cheese, etc. SOMETHING that will make that sauce POP and not taste bland or flavorless. Have everything on the ingredient list except Ricotta? PLEASE just use whatever cheese is already in your fridge. Get creative and spice things up by using what you already have! 

And to quote my  husband after dinner last night…”Dude I just ate a bunch of pasta and I don’t feel bloated!”

It’s true! Zoodles are the best :)