Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Smoked Paprika
Light yet satisfying spiralized zucchini tossed in garlic-infused oil with sweet tomatoes and smoky spice. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (keto) ready in about 18 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic 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, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves, thinly sliced garlic
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp but not mushy.
- Step 2: Add cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and release juice.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil, and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately while zucchini is still vibrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Smoked Paprika 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 Cherry Tomatoes and Smoked Paprika?
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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes and Smoked Paprika?
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 Cherry Tomatoes and Smoked Paprika 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 Cherry Tomatoes and Smoked Paprika keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect weeknight meal—ready in 15 minutes with zero cleanup.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these zucchini noodles. The cherry tomatoes burst perfectly in the pan.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The smoked paprika added such a warm depth to the zoodles.
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