Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, low-carb dinner featuring tender zucchini noodles tossed in garlic-infused oil with sweet roasted tomatoes and aromatic basil. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes until slightly blistered.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until tender but crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh 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 zucchinis from drying out.

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

Is Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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