Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and fresh zucchini noodles quickly sautéed with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil for a Whole30 vegetable-forward side or main. This whole30-inspired whole30 (whole30, vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic cloves, olive oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened and juices begin to release.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 6 cups spiralized zucchini noodles, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Step 4: Toss noodles gently with tomatoes and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until noodles are just tender but still slightly firm.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Serve warm as a light entrée or side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Basil and 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Basil and 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 Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes 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.

Is Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian, gluten free, 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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