Quick Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and vibrant zucchini noodles tossed in a fresh tomato-basil sauce for a low-carb meal. This italian-inspired vegan (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs zucchini, tomatoes, basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 3 zucchini into noodles. Set aside. In a blender, combine 4 chopped tomatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup basil, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Pour the tomato sauce over the noodles. Toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Top with 1/4 cup grated parmesan and additional basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Quick Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Quick Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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