Last Updated on July 14, 2025 by Deliciously Organic
I recently started experimenting with some old-favorite pasta dishes, replacing the pasta with zucchini noodles, like these zucchini noodles with bacon, Brussels sprouts, and hazelnuts. I discovered something wonderful: as long as I let the zucchini sit with some sea salt to pull out the bitter flavor and toss it quickly at the end of the recipe, it makes for a fantastic substitute.
I pulled out my spiralizer for this recipe – it’s a very helpful asset in my kitchen. I can “noodle” all sorts of squash and root vegetables and create quick weeknight dinners. I was a little hesitant to put so many flavors together, but I have to tell you – even after three days in a row, I was wishing for more!
Zucchini Noodles with Brussels Sprouts and Hazelnuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 5 large zucchini, cut into noodles (or shredded using a box grater)
- 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
- 6 pieces bacon, chopped (for a vegetarian option, omit bacon and use 3 tablespoons ghee)
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts, sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded Pecorino Romano cheese (omit for dairy free)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
- Place zucchini in a colander and toss with sea salt. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the recipe. Place bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the pan. Increase heat to medium-high and add Brussels sprouts to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown on the edges, about 5 minutes.
- While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, place a clean dishtowel on the counter and pour the zucchini onto the towel. Gently pat the zucchini dry to remove excess moisture.
- Make a well in the center of the pan and add the garlic and pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds, then stir aromatics into the Brussels sprouts. Add zucchini, cheese, bacon and lemon juice. Toss until all ingredients are hot and the cheese has melted. Serve with hazelnuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 4-6
Do you rinse the salt off of the zucchini before putting it on the towel?
No, don’t rinse. Just pat dry with the clean towel.
Brilliant – there went the remainder of my Amazon gift card! 😉
Hope you like it as much as I do! 🙂
Amazing, creative recipe! I’d love to see more “pasta” dishes with different sauces.
Thanks, Carrie!
Thanks, Gillian! I’ll be coming up with more soon!
You inspired me to get a spiralizer a year and a half ago and I love it. My boys love helping me use this gadget.
This recipe could be even more filling with an egg on top. This is going on next week’s menu.
Have you tried butternut squash noodles using the spiralizer? Current fave.
Yum! I will have to try the egg on top when I make this, I eat veggies at breakfast with my eggs so this will be a great change. :o)
Fried eggs on top is a great idea! I’ve tried the squash, too. So good!!
Goodness I can’t wait to make this!!! Where can I get a spiralizer?
Here’s the link! http://www.amazon.com/Paderno-World-Cuisine-A4982799-Tri-Blade/dp/B0007Y9WHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389913214&sr=8-1&keywords=spiralizer
Thanks!!!
YUM! The amazing spiralizer is on my birthday wish list. Thank goodness it’s coming up in March, because this looks delicious. 🙂
I’ve been using a gadget thats kind of like a vegetable peeler, but I waste so much of the vegetable this way. This spiralizer looks like the way to go. Thanks!
You can also use a julienne peeler to make zucchini noodles. Maybe you already know about it, but thought I’d mention it. Works very well and takes almost no room to store. There are several brands of julienne peelers, and they’re usually around $10. Another option for ‘noodles’. Love making zucchini noodles, also want to try butternut squash noodles. Fun.
Great tip! Thanks!
This. Was. DELICIOUS!! Even my sometimes-picky five year old said it was “so good!”. Thank you! 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it! 🙂