Description
Craving pasta without the carbs? Zucchini Noodles with Hearty Tomato Sauce is the perfect healthy twist on a classic Italian dish. Spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) are topped with a chunky, herb-infused tomato sauce made with fresh garlic, basil, and a touch of spice. It’s light, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something indulgent yet guilt-free.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup diced white onions
- 6 cloves 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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Add the chopped fresh basil, coarse salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (or cayenne for added spice).
- 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 (zoodles). If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a julienne peeler or mandoline to make thin strips.
Cook the Zoodles
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Combine and Serve
- Transfer the cooked zoodles to serving plates or bowls.
- Spoon the hearty tomato sauce generously over the zoodles.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prevent Watery Zoodles: Lightly salt the spiralized zucchini and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture.
- Make It Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
- Protein Additions: Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired