Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce

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

Light and flavorful zucchini noodles tossed in a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce with fresh basil, perfect for a Whole30 dinner. This whole30-inspired vegetarian (whole30, vegan) ready in about 25 minutes blends spiralized into noodles medium zucchini, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 2 Whole30 cuisine 110 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 spiralized medium zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender but still retain some bite.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving and remove from heat.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce?

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 Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce 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 Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegan, gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes