Fresh tomato basil zucchini noodles are loaded with nutrients and make a super simple vegan, gluten-free, Paleo, and whole30 dinner recipe for those busy weeknights!
Ever since I received my spiralizer for Christmas I have become OBSESSED with spinning vegetables into adorable noodles.
One of the major things I miss eating when trying to stick to a gluten-free and lower-carb diet is noodles!!
Spaghetti sauce, alfredo sauce, or mixed together with your favorite taco flavors… noodles are normally the conveyor of all things yummy.
And these tomato basil zucchini noodles are no different. These zoodles taste as good as any carb-laden noodle you’ve had!
(OK, maybe not quite as good… but definitely SUPER good for you!!)
What Type of Spiralizer is the Best?
There are numerous types of spiralizers, but a tabletop spiralizer with a suction-grip is my recommendation.
The handheld spiralizers are smaller but are also very difficult to use. It is almost impossible to spiralize hard vegetables, too (such as carrots or sweet potatoes.)
However, the tabletop spiralizers with suction-grips lock onto the countertop to make sure the spiralizer does not slide around and allows you to get perfectly spiralized zucchini noodles in minutes!
How Do You Make Zucchini Pasta for these Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles?
In this particular recipe, I used the ribbon-cut blade that came in my OXO spiralizer kit.
Feel free to try the spaghetti or fettucine cut, too! Just know that the time it takes to saute the zucchini noodles will vary slightly.
Why are these Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles so Nutritious?
The primary ingredients in these tomato basil zucchini noodles are:
- Tomatoes– loaded with lycopene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A!
- Garlic– a potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous ingredient.
- Zucchini– low in carbs, calories, and high in fiber and Vitamin C!
- Basil– anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Olive Oil– loaded with healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
How Can I Evolve these Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles?
While these tomato basil zucchini noodles are already vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo, and whole30-approved, there are still a few tweaks and variations you can try:
- Feel free to swap out the Roma tomatoes for whatever you have in your garden or can find at the store!
- Basil is the preferred herb for this dish, but I have also had great success with fresh rosemary.
- Try using summer squash in place of the zucchini, or half and half!
Fresh Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles
Fresh tomato basil zucchini noodles are loaded with nutrients and make a super simple vegan, gluten-free, Paleo, and whole30 dinner recipe for those busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Tomato Basil Sauce:
- 1 cup sweet onion finely diced
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 1.75 pounds Roma tomatoes finely diced
- 1 tsp. salt plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp. white pepper
- ¼ cup basil finely chopped
Zucchini Noodles:
- 8 zucchini* spiralized into noodles
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil divided
- 1 tsp. salt divided
Instructions
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In a large skillet or saucepan combine onions and oil. Saute over medium-low heat for 3 minutes.
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Add garlic and saute for an additional 1 minute.
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Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until tomatoes have cooked down.
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Add basil and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Spiralize your zucchini with a ribbon cut blade using a tabletop spiralizer.
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While sauce is cooking, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add half of your zucchini noodles and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
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Repeat the above step with the remaining zucchini noodles, oil, and salt.
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Serve zucchini noodles with tomato basil sauce and sprinkle with additional basil. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*In this particular recipe, I used the ribbon-cut blade that came in my OXO spiralizer kit.
Feel free to try the spaghetti or fettucine cut, too! Just know that the time it takes to saute the zucchini noodles will vary slightly.
Want more recipes like this Fresh Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles?
Cilantro Lime Sweet Potato Noodles
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk
Cilantro Lime Chicken Stuffed Zucchini
Mary says
I made this today, tho I cut it down to one serving. I added a dash of oregano and skipped the garlic because I had so much onion. I topped it with lots of Parmesan. It was quick to make, and delicious. I plan to make it often, as I love having such a delicious a pasta substitute.
London says
What a great idea to just make one serving, Mary! Did you make your own zucchini noodles or buy the pre-packaged kind at the store?
Mary says
I made my own. Sometimes I make a tomato sauce dish similar to this with spinach and lots of garlic. Delightful on zucchini noodles. A real comfort food.
London says
Oh that’s awesome, Mary!! And that tomato sauce dish sounds amazing. Just might need to try adding some spinach and more garlic next time 😉
Cate says
Can’t wait to try out my new spiralizer with this recipe!
London says
WooHoo!! I hope you enjoy it, Cate!