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    Home » Sides

    Zoodle Mac and Cheese {Low Calorie + Done in 10 Minutes!}

    February 19, 2018 by Chrissy Carroll 43 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Zoodle mac and cheese = a big ‘ol plate of cheesy comfort food, done in 10 minutes!

    Disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Green Giant as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

    Spiralized veggies are all the rage these days, and for good reason.  They are low calorie, help boost your veggie & fiber intake, and are a gluten-free option for those with dietary limitations. 

    But do any of you just not feel like breaking out the spiralizer sometimes?  I mean, don’t get me wrong:  I love spiralized veggies, but it can be a kind of a pain to clean my spiralizer.

    I’ve found the best solution to this dilemma, though.  These new Green Giant Veggie Spirals!  They are frozen, done-for-you, spiralized veggies.  You can grab ‘em in four varieties – zucchini, butternut squash, carrots, and beets – and are all available at Walmart.  The only ingredient is the veggie!

    Hand holding a package of Green Giant Veggie Spirals zucchini noodles

    I love that they are frozen, because it makes it so much easier to keep ‘em on hand for whenever I want to whip up a veggie-packed dish with them.  You can cook them in the microwave or on the stove top – just cook, drain, and they’re ready to use.  And without any sauces or seasonings, you can incorporate them in any recipe you want to make.

    Like using them to make this incredible zoodle mac and cheese.

    Zucchini noodle mac and cheese on a white plate

    Close up of zoodle macaroni and cheese

    {Side note – if spiralized zucchini is called zoodles, do you call spiralized beets bootles?  Are carrots coodles?  I’m really perplexed by this.}

    Anyway, back to this recipe.  This is low-calorie, high-protein, flavor-packed comfort food, ya’ll. 

    Instead of traditional mac & cheese with regular pasta, you’re loading up on filling zucchini noodles.  And since the Green Giant Zucchini Veggie Spirals have about 90% fewer calories compared to the same portion size of pasta, you’re significantly cutting down the calories in the dish.

    I’m talking a big difference.  You can eat this ENTIRE recipe for 310 calories.  An entire plate of cheesy, creamy deliciousness. 

    That fact maaaay have led to me eating this three times this week for dinner.  But who’s counting?

    [Tweet “Zoodle mac and cheese is the ultimate healthy take on comfort food!”]

    Fork with zoodle mac and cheese wrapped around it

    I’ve added some greek yogurt to the cheese sauce, too, which helps to boost the protein content.  Between the yogurt, zoodles, and cheese, you’re looking at 19 grams of protein for a main dish serving of this zoodle mac and cheese.  That’s not bad at all for healthy comfort food.

    And the entire recipe has less than 20 grams of carbs, so it can fit into any low-carb diet plans or lifestyles.  I’m personally all about the #carblife, but totally respect that some people want to cut down on them.

    Of course, if you’d rather make this as a side dish, it’s works perfectly that way too – especially alongside some BBQ chicken!  Split it into four servings and you’ve got a side for under 100 calories.

    And the best part?  Start to finish, this is ready in 10 minutes.  (Yes, 10 minutes!).   I know most of you are probably busy balancing kids, your fitness goals, work – so let’s make things as easy as possible, right?!

    Grab your ingredients and enjoy!

    PS – you can find even more spiralized veggie recipe ideas over on the Green Giant site!

    Zoodle mac and cheese on a white plate

    Zoodle Mac & Cheese

    Snacking in Sneakers
    Craving comfort food, but want something a little more nutritious? This zoodle mac and cheese clocks in at just 310 calories, with 19 grams of protein!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 4 mins
    Cook Time 6 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Servings 1
    Calories 310 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 package Green Giant Zucchini Veggie Spirals
    • 1/2 tbsp butter
    • 1/2 tbsp flour (if gluten free, use rice flour)
    • 2 tbsp milk
    • 2 tbsp greek yogurt
    • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar
    • 1 1/2 tbsp shredded parmesan
    • 1/2 tsp spicy mustard
    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

    Instructions
     

    • Place Green Giant Zucchini Veggie Spirals on a microwave safe plate. Microwave for 6-7 minutes according to package directions.
    • Meanwhile, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux.
    • Reduce heat to low and stir in milk, greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, mustard, and garlic powder. Stir until cheese is melted. Turn off heat.
    • Open package of zucchini noodles and drain water from package. Add zucchini noodles to cheese mixture in your pot and toss a few times until everything is well combined. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Notes:
    The cheese sauce mixture will be thick before adding the zucchini noodles. This is normal. Zucchini retains a high water content even after draining, so when you add the noodles to the pot it will naturally thin out the sauce and everything will come together perfectly.
     
    Nutrition analysis (for entire recipe as main dish):
    310 calories, 17.5 g fat, 11.1 g sat fat, 427 mg sodium, 17.5 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 19 g protein, Vitamin A: 11%, Vitamin C: 0%, Calcium: 45%, Iron: 4%, Potassium: 20%
     
    Nutrition analysis (for four small side dish servings):
    78 calories, 4.5 g fat, 3 g sat fat, 106 mg sodium, 4.5 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 4.5 g protein, Vitamin A: 3%, Vitamin C: 0%, Calcium: 11%, Iron: 1%, Potassium: 5%

    Nutrition

    Calories: 310kcal
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Share with me:  What’s your favorite way to use zoodles?  Have you ever made zoodle mac and cheese?  Have you ever tried these Green Giant Veggie Spirals?

     
    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
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    Comments

    1. Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner

      February 19, 2018 at 9:18 am

      I did not know there were frozen zoodles now! What a great idea. I sometimes make mac n cheese w spaghetti squash

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 20, 2018 at 8:44 am

        So convenient, right?! And I bet spaghetti squash would be awesome in this recipe too.

        Reply
    2. Samantha Riley

      February 19, 2018 at 1:11 pm

      What a great and simple recipe! I love making zoodles! <3

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 20, 2018 at 8:44 am

        Thanks Samantha!

        Reply
      • Ava A

        February 16, 2019 at 9:26 pm

        Green Giant’s zucchini iS AWFUL!! It’s frozen so when you heat it up the noodles are all soggy and wet.. Better to buy fresh zucchini and a spiralizer and bed bath and beyond and make them yourself!

        Reply
        • Chrissy Carroll

          February 16, 2019 at 10:04 pm

          Sorry you don’t enjoy it! I find it works well in this dish because the extra moisture helps thin out the cheese sauce a bit. But you can totally use fresh spiralized zucchini instead if that’s what you prefer! 🙂

          Reply
    3. Abbey Sharp

      February 19, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      5 stars
      Pre-spiralized zoodles is genius and such a time saver! Also these zoodles look perfectly creamy 🙂

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 20, 2018 at 8:45 am

        Right?! And I love that these are frozen so you don’t have to use them before they go bad. You can just pull ’em out any time you need them.

        Reply
    4. dixya @food, pleasure, and health

      February 19, 2018 at 3:50 pm

      i did not realize green giant made these…love how creamy this pasta looks!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 20, 2018 at 8:45 am

        They’re a new product! Definitely check it out.

        Reply
    5. Kelly

      February 19, 2018 at 7:26 pm

      What a clever idea to turn zoodles into mac and cheese. I’ll take zoodles anyday!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 20, 2018 at 8:45 am

        I’m with ya, zoodles are the best.

        Reply
    6. Emily

      February 19, 2018 at 10:25 pm

      Goodness gracious this looks amazing!!! I love zoodles 😀

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 20, 2018 at 8:46 am

        Thanks Emily! Hope you get a chance to try it out!

        Reply
    7. Laura

      February 20, 2018 at 12:13 am

      Yum, yum, yum! Zoodles are my favorite dinner! Yours looks so nice and creamy. Makes my hungry right away.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 20, 2018 at 8:46 am

        Thanks Laura 🙂 Hope you get a chance to try this recipe soon.

        Reply
    8. Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com

      February 20, 2018 at 9:30 am

      Yum! This looks so amazing! I had not seen these packaged zoodles before. I can’t wait to buy some to cook with, what a time saver!!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:13 pm

        Yes, definitely super convenient on busy nights!

        Reply
    9. Kalee

      February 20, 2018 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      This is SO up my alley! I love that you can buy zoodles frozen now! I can’t wait to try this mac and cheese!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:12 pm

        Thanks girl! Hope you love them!

        Reply
    10. Amanda

      February 21, 2018 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      I just bought a spiralizer, and now I can buy the zoodles frozen! LOL The frozen are a real time saver. I love how quickly this dish comes together!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:11 pm

        Thanks Amanda! The frozen ones really do make it an easy 10 minute meal – comes in handy on those time crunched days, am I right?!

        Reply
    11. Alyssa

      February 21, 2018 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      I’m all about healthifying comfort food. What a great idea to use zoodles!!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:11 pm

        Thanks Alyssa! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Rachel

      February 21, 2018 at 7:57 pm

      Frozen zoodles!! Amazing.

      This recipe looks great!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:09 pm

        Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Kimberly Hatting

      February 21, 2018 at 9:47 pm

      I have not seen these frozen zoodles…they look like a huge time-saver.I have a spiralizer…and it takes forever to clean, these would be ideal to have on hand for a quick meal.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:08 pm

        Haha, exactly – stuff gets caught everywhere in my spiralizer and cleaning is such a pain, lol. These are great for a convenient option when you don’t want to deal with that.

        Reply
    14. Wendy

      February 21, 2018 at 9:57 pm

      I didn’t know you could buy frozen zoodles! I’ve only made them from scratch! These would be so convenient and your recipe sounds delish!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:07 pm

        It’s a new product – so brilliant right? Then you can always have them on hand!

        Reply
    15. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running

      February 22, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      Frozen zoodles?!? This is life changing!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:06 pm

        Haha, right?! Amazing!

        Reply
    16. Andrea

      February 22, 2018 at 4:53 pm

      Oooh I’ve seen these at the store and I’ve been tempted to try them. I think I’ll have to give them a go on the next shopping trip!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:06 pm

        Definitely give ’em a whirl! 🙂

        Reply
    17. Esther

      February 22, 2018 at 8:35 pm

      I have never thought to use zoodles for mac and cheese! How yummy!
      I love using my spiralizer attachment but now I can use these if I am in a time crunch!
      Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 24, 2018 at 7:06 pm

        Yes! The thing I love is that you still get all that cheesy deliciousness you’re craving, just in a healthier way!

        Reply
    18. Kristina Foster

      December 9, 2018 at 3:52 pm

      I’m currently trying to use up a gigantic zucchini from my garden (oops!), so I don’t think I should buy any frozen zucchini. Am I correct in assuming that I just completely skip the microwaving step when using fresh zoodles? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        December 9, 2018 at 3:57 pm

        Great question! If you’re using fresh zucchini, it depends on the texture you prefer. What I’ll usually do if I’m using fresh is just toss the zoodles in when I add the milk, yogurt, cheeses, etc – and let it cook for an extra minute or two. That should leave a little bite to the zucchini noodles. If you prefer a softer zucchini texture, though, you can steam them in the microwave with a little water in a bowl for a minute or two first, then add as directed.

        I hope you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    19. Mary Bosch

      October 14, 2020 at 8:07 pm

      5 stars
      Very tasty for the amount of time it took to make!

      Reply
    20. Shayla

      January 20, 2021 at 5:06 pm

      Has anyone tried to reheat these? This leftover. I’m going to try with fresh frozen zoodles from the garden and was thinking of making a larger batch and reheating for lunch.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 27, 2021 at 10:52 am

        Hi Shayla! Sorry for taking a few days to reply. I’m not a fan of them reheated because I feel like they get soggy. That said, maybe others have had different experiences!

        Reply
    21. Allison

      January 26, 2021 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      This was SO good- I found that when using a large raw zucchini I had to double the sauce recipe to get the amount of cheese I like -big cheese fan 🙂 So easy and delicious!!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        January 27, 2021 at 10:54 am

        Yay! So glad you enjoyed it Allison. Thanks for taking the time to leave a rating and comment. 🙂

        Reply

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    Welcome to Snacking in Sneakers! That's me, Chrissy, and I'm here to share all my favorite fitness, food, & wellness stories & tips. I'm a dietitian, personal trainer, runner, triathlon coach, foodie, not-so-extreme couponer, and all around fun lovin' gal.

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