Are you looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to the usual traditional pasta? Well this Zucchini Noodles with tomato basil sauce is a perfect solution for you! This dish is incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh tasty flavour and naturally low in calories and carbohydrates and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying meal without any guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low In Calories And Nutritious : Zucchini is packed with vitamins and minerals, yet it’s low in calories making it a guilt free indulgence,and trust me as someone who loves to eat healthy and clean this is a lovely option.
- Quick and Easy : this is a very quick and easy meal ready under 40 minutes and it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights. Quick yet guilt free.
- Gluten Free and Vegan Friendly : yep, if you are vegan and also looking for a gluten free recipe well this recipe is gluten free and can also easily be made vegan by not adding any of the parmesan cheese.
- Versatile : Do feel free to add any of your favourite protein if needed such as grilled chicken, shrimp or tofu. This would definitely be a great option for a complete meal as preferred.
Ingredients For The Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1(28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of white diced onion
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves , chopped
- 1½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- ¼ spoon of cayenne pepper
- Grated parmesan cheese ( for serving)
How to make Zucchini Noodles
1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
Wash and spiralize the Zucchini using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler if the spiralizer is not available. Now place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, let them sit for 10 – 15 minutes to release excess moisture. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent the noodles from becoming watery.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic :
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high-heat. Add in the onion and sauté for 5 minutes do make sure to stir occasionally until it’s soft. then add in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute stir constantly also until it’s fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper with any extra seasoning of your choice then stir to combine. and cook for 15 – 20 minutes on medium low heat to allow the sauce to simmer do make sure to stir occasionally untill it slightly thickened or the oil begins to sit at the surface and it’s a deep red orange oil. Now do a taste check if salt and pepper is needed for your taste Satisfaction.
4. Combine Noodles and Sauce :
Add in your zucchini noodles to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss in gently to coat the noodles evenly. To avoid some parts taste uneven, cook for 2 – 3 minutes, until the zucchini noodles are heated through but still slightly crisp. To avoid overcooking as they can become too mushy if overcooked. So if a timer is needed to avoid it getting mushy do set one.
5. Add Basil and Serve :
get your fresh basil leaves and Stir in the fresh basil leaves. your tasty zucchini noodles is ready serve immediately, garnished with some grated parmesan cheese,if desired and enjoy.
Tips and Variations For this Recipe
- Prevent Watery Noodles : now I know this may not sound necessary but salting the Zucchini Noodles and patting them dry is key. this helps prevent a watery dish that won’t give the texture you expected so do make sure to salt your zucchini noodles.
- Add Protein : do feel free to add in your protein but do make sure to prep that before the tomato sauce is made with the protein like. Grilled chicken, shrimps, sausage, or tofu this are some excellent additions to this dish.
- Other Vegetables : do feel free to add in other Vegetables of your choice like bell pepper, mushrooms or lettuce to the sauce for an extra flavour and nutrient
Enjoy !
These Zucchini noodles with tomato basil sauce are a fantastic way to enjoy a light, healthy and flavourful meal. Whether it’s a low calorie alternative to the usual pasta or you simply just want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, well there you have It this recipe s sure to become your favourite !
