Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil
Light and refreshing zucchini noodles tossed with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil for a vibrant, nutrient-rich meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 18 minutes pairs medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp. Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, cooking for 3 more minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil?
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 medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil?
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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Tomato and Basil?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A quick and delicious meal that feels special. The basil really makes it shine.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! So easy and healthy, and the flavors are amazing. Will make it again and again.
- ★★★★★
The zucchini noodles were perfectly tender and the tomato basil sauce was fresh and flavorful. My family devoured it!
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