Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil and Parmesan

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

A light and refreshing pasta alternative featuring zucchini noodles tossed with sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of Parmesan. This Italian-inspired vegetarian recipe (keto), ready in about 18 minutes, pairs Zucchini, Cherry tomatoes, Fresh basil 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 8 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes are warmed through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil and Parmesan 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 Tomato Basil and Parmesan?

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 zucchini from drying out.

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

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 Tomato Basil and Parmesan 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 Tomato Basil and Parmesan 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.

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