Embrace a healthier twist on a classic dish with this Zoodles Marinara recipe. Combining fresh zucchini noodles with a robust, homemade chunky tomato sauce, this meal is both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs or simply enjoy a lighter meal, this recipe brings all the comfort of traditional pasta with a fresh and vibrant twist.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup diced white onions
- Six cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped (or crushed)
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (or a dash of cayenne pepper)
- 2 large zucchinis, spiralized
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a sizable skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Be careful not to overcook to keep the zoodles from getting mushy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
- Add the chopped basil leaves, coarse salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (or cayenne).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Prepare the Zoodles:
- While the sauce is simmering, spiralize the zucchinis to create zucchini noodles.
- If you do not have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a mandoline.
- Cook the Zoodles:
- In a separate large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the spiralized zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the zoodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Be careful not to overcook to keep the zoodles from getting mushy.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the zoodles are cooked, transfer them to serving plates.
- Spoon the chunky marinara sauce over the top of the zoodles.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Zoodles Marinara offers a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes, combining the freshness of zucchini noodles with a rich, homemade tomato sauce. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Enjoy the taste of Italy in a nutritious and guilt-free way!