Craving a wholesome, flavorful meal that won’t weigh you down? This zucchini noodle spaghetti with tomato sauce is your new go-to! It’s an incredibly quick and satisfying low-carb dish, perfect for a light summer dinner or a healthy weeknight solution. You’ll love how easy it is to transform fresh zucchini into a delightful pasta alternative, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet is wonderfully nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti
Here are a few reasons why this recipe will become a favorite:
- Delicious and Fresh: Enjoy a light, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful pasta experience that tastes gourmet.
- Healthy Alternative: It’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
- Lightning Fast: Get a complete, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Super Customizable: Easily add your favorite proteins or extra vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
- Nutrient-Packed: Zucchini noodles deliver essential vitamins and minerals, boosting your daily vegetable intake deliciously.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious zucchini noodle spaghetti:
- 4 zucchinis (about 4 cups, cut into thin noodles with a vegetable spiralizer)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon basil (chopped)
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish if desired)
Notes & Substitutions
Transforming zucchini into noodles is simple. You can use a handheld spiralizer, a countertop model, or even a julienne peeler for thin strips. Don’t peel the zucchini; the skin adds lovely color and valuable fiber to your zucchini noodle spaghetti. For a heartier meal, easily add cooked protein like shredded chicken, lean ground meatballs, or sautéed shrimp to the sauce. Boost the veggie content with finely diced carrots or celery added with the onion. If you’re going vegan, swap out the traditional Parmesan for a plant-based alternative.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe.
- Vegetable spiralizer: For creating the zucchini noodles. Choose from handheld, countertop, or electric versions.
- Large saucepan or skillet: For preparing the sauce and cooking the noodles.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping your vegetables.
Instructions
Creating this flavorful zucchini noodle spaghetti is incredibly simple, making it perfect for beginners. Just follow these steps:
- Prepare Aromatics: Add extra virgin olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan with the aromatics. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a light simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Zucchini Noodles: Introduce your spiralized zucchini noodles directly into the simmering tomato sauce. Toss them gently to coat. Cook the zoodles for only 2-3 minutes, just until they become tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain their texture.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh chopped basil. If using, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavors. Serve your delicious zucchini noodle spaghetti immediately for the best experience.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Don’t overcook your zucchini noodles! They release water when cooked, leading to a soggy dish if left in the heat too long. Aim for a tender-crisp texture. If your zucchini seems very watery, you can lightly salt the noodles in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat them dry before adding to the sauce. This helps draw out excess moisture. For even more guidance on perfecting your zoodles, explore additional tips to avoid watery zucchini noodles from culinary experts. For perfect zoodles, ensure your spiralizer blades are sharp. If you prefer a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth; if too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes before adding the zoodles.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile zucchini noodle spaghetti is a fantastic meal on its own or as part of a larger spread.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Pair it with grilled chicken breasts, baked meatballs, or seared shrimp for extra protein.
- Garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese.
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftover zucchini noodle spaghetti in an airtight container.
- Keep it refrigerated for 2-3 days. Note that the zucchini noodles may soften further over time.
Reheating Tips
- Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Simmer until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, lean ground turkey, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Extra Vegetables: Sauté spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms with the onion for added nutrients and flavor.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with a vibrant pesto, a creamy alfredo sauce, or even a rich avocado sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference, or add fresh diced chili for a brighter heat.
Nutrition
Enjoying this zucchini noodle spaghetti offers a host of health benefits. Zucchini provides excellent sources of Vitamin C and K, as well as potassium and manganese. To understand the full scope of benefits, the USDA offers detailed nutrition facts for zucchini, highlighting its richness in essential vitamins and minerals. This low-carb meal supports balanced eating without sacrificing flavor.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbs | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Total Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 5g |
FAQ
- Is zucchini pasta healthy?
Yes, zucchini noodle spaghetti is very healthy, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and low in calories. It’s a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake. - Is zucchini spaghetti high in carbs?
No, it’s very low in net carbohydrates compared to traditional wheat pasta, making it an excellent choice for low-carb diets. You get all the satisfaction without the carb load. - How do you make zoodles not soggy?
Cook zucchini noodles briefly, only for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking and don’t add excess salt to them before cooking, as salt draws out water. - How to store zucchini pasta?
Store leftover zucchini noodle spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently to prevent further softening.
Conclusion
This easy zucchini noodle spaghetti recipe truly simplifies healthy eating without compromising on taste. It’s a vibrant, quick, and satisfying meal that effortlessly fits into any busy schedule. We encourage you to try this low-carb, nutrient-packed alternative and discover how delicious and versatile zucchini noodles can be. Enjoy a fresh take on a classic, knowing you’re serving up something both wholesome and incredibly flavorful!