Zucchini Noodle 'Spaghetti' with Hidden Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A low-carb twist on spaghetti using spiralized zucchini noodles, blanketed in a smooth tomato sauce packed with hidden vegetables for sneaky nutrition. This italian-inspired pasta (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends medium, spiralized zucchini, medium, grated carrot, stalk, finely chopped celery 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 185 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.

★ 3.7 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup grated carrot and 1/2 cup finely chopped celery, and sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it deepens in color and becomes fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth and 1/4 tsp salt, then simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the sauce and toss gently for 2 minutes until zucchini is tender but still has a slight bite (do not overcook).
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh basil until evenly distributed, then serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle 'Spaghetti' with Hidden Tomato Sauce take to make?

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

How do I store leftover Zucchini Noodle 'Spaghetti' with Hidden Tomato 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 Zucchini Noodle 'Spaghetti' with Hidden Tomato 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 Zucchini Noodle 'Spaghetti' with Hidden Tomato 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 Zucchini Noodle 'Spaghetti' with Hidden Tomato 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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