Spicy Sausage Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant stir-fry of spicy Italian sausage, zucchini noodles, and sweet cherry tomatoes in a garlic-herb tomato base, ready in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired keto (vegetarian, low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs sliced Italian sausage links, spiralized zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 8 oz, sliced Italian sausage links
- 12 oz, spiralized zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced Italian sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through, breaking into small pieces with a spatula.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 tsp salt, stirring to coat. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz spiralized zucchini noodles and 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, tossing to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini is tender but still firm.
- Step 5: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Sausage Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (8 min prep + 12 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 Spicy Sausage Zucchini Noodles with 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 sliced italian sausage links from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sausage Zucchini Noodles with 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 Spicy Sausage Zucchini Noodles with 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.
Is Spicy Sausage Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this spicy are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
