Sautéed Zucchini Ribbons with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce

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

Light, vibrant noodles made from zucchini with a bright tomato-basil sauce. This italian-inspired whole30 (low-carb) ready in about 19 minutes blends medium, spiralized zucchini, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil 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 120 calories and feeds 4, 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: 12 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups spiralized zucchini and 2 cups diced tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until zucchini is tender but still holds shape and tomatoes begin to break down.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until flavors meld and sauce coats zucchini ribbons.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Zucchini Ribbons with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 19 minutes (12 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Zucchini Ribbons with Fresh Tomato 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 Ribbons with Fresh Tomato 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 Ribbons with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce 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 Ribbons with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce low-carb?

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

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