Sautéed Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, low-carb pasta alternative featuring tender zucchini noodles, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. This mediterranean-inspired keto ready in about 17 minutes pairs medium zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 3.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler; pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing gently with tongs; cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp (do not overcook), stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add cherry tomatoes and 1/4 tsp salt, cooking for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped basil, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and season with additional salt to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Garlic Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes?

Mediterranean keto 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.

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