Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
A light, anti-inflammatory stir-fry featuring zucchini noodles, garlic, and sweet cherry tomatoes, ideal for reducing bloating during dietary transitions. This italian-inspired vegetarian (anti-inflammatory) ready in about 23 minutes pairs medium Zucchini, Cherry tomatoes, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 3 medium Zucchini
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 3 medium zucchinis into noodles; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
- Step 3: Add 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook 1 more minute until flavors are combined.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 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 Garlic 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 medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Garlic 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 Garlic and 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 Zucchini Noodles with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 8-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
