Zucchini Noodles in Creamy Tomato Sauce – A Delicious Low-Carb Pasta Alternative
Hey there! If you love pasta but want a lighter, low-carb option, these Zucchini Noodles in Creamy Tomato Sauce are the perfect choice! This dish combines fresh zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) with a rich, velvety tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: A healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The rich tomato sauce is packed with garlic, basil, and Parmesan.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for a weeknight meal!
What Makes This Dish So Good?
Instead of carb-heavy pasta, we’re using fresh zucchini noodles that soak up a creamy, garlicky tomato sauce. The result? A dish that’s just as satisfying as regular pasta but without the guilt!
Zucchini Noodles in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- ½ teaspoon salt (to remove excess moisture)
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini Noodles
- Spiralize the zucchinis and place them on a paper towel.
- Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for another 2 minutes until creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Zucchini Noodles
- In another skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil.
- Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
- Be careful not to overcook, or they will become watery.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Toss to coat and cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Noodles
- Don’t Overcook: Keep the zoodles slightly firm to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Want More Protein? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
Let’s Talk Low-Carb Comfort Food!
And there you have it—Zucchini Noodles in Creamy Tomato Sauce that’s light, creamy, and full of flavor! Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a healthy pasta alternative, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. If you try it, leave a comment below or pin it on Pinterest for later. Enjoy!
