If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your waistline, Zucchini Noodles with Marinara is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender zucchini spirals soaking up a garlicky, herby tomato sauce and getting the royal treatment with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a quick, fuss-free dinner that brings serious Italian vibes to your table while keeping things light and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner in under 20 minutes or just an easy way to sneak in more veggies, this dish delivers on all fronts!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons Zucchini Noodles with Marinara is so irresistible lies in its gorgeous simplicity. Every item on this list brings something special to the party—think freshness, bold flavor, beautiful color, and that perfect, twirlable texture.
- Zucchini: Spiralize two medium zucchinis for the ultimate noodle substitute that’s low-carb and super crisp.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to infuse the dish with rich, tomatoey depth.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon helps sauté the garlic and enhances the sauce’s silky finish.
- Garlic: One minced clove brings aromatic, mouthwatering warmth right into the sauce.
- Fresh Basil: For garnish, this fragrant herb brightens every bite with a peppery freshness.
- Parmesan: Shave or grate just before serving for a nutty, salty finish.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste so the flavors truly shine and stand out.
How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Marinara
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and stir gently for about 30 seconds, just until it releases its incredible aroma. You want it fragrant, not browned, to build that essential base flavor for your Zucchini Noodles with Marinara.
Step 2: Simmer the Marinara Sauce
Next, pour in your marinara sauce of choice and stir to combine with the garlic. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes. This quick step lets all those tomato and herb flavors deepen while staying vibrant and fresh.
Step 3: Toss in the Zucchini Noodles
Add your spiralized zucchini noodles right into the sauce. Using tongs, gently toss everything so the “zoodles” are evenly coated. They only need about 2 minutes—just until they’ve softened a touch but still have that lovely al dente bite. Overcooking will make them watery, so keep a close eye.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Give the dish a final seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Plate the Zucchini Noodles with Marinara immediately while they’re hot and glistening with sauce.
Step 5: Garnish
Sprinkle generously with fresh basil and shaved or grated Parmesan. These finishing touches don’t just make the dish look beautiful—they add bright, zippy freshness and just the right hit of savory richness.
How to Serve Zucchini Noodles with Marinara
Garnishes
The magic is in the finishing touches. I love a shower of torn basil leaves for a fresh, peppery note and a generous grating of Parmesan for creamy, salty depth. For a little extra flair, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of really good olive oil right before serving. These little extras take your Zucchini Noodles with Marinara from simple to stunning in an instant.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but truly pops with a simple side. Try pairing Zucchini Noodles with Marinara with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, chewy ciabatta bread, or roasted vegetables for an all-veggie feast. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp make fantastic toppers that keep everything light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for guests or want a fun twist, portion Zucchini Noodles with Marinara into individual bowls, top with herb sprigs and paper-thin Parmesan curls, or nestle them inside crispy Parmesan cheese baskets. For a picnic-perfect touch, serve chilled Zoodles tossed with sauce and all the garnishes—it’s just as delicious cold and super refreshing in warm weather.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (honestly, rare at my house!), store Zucchini Noodles with Marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The zoodles will soak up more sauce, so they’ll be a bit softer but still absolutely tasty for lunch the next day.
Freezing
While marinara sauce freezes beautifully, zucchini noodles don’t hold up as well to freezing, as they’ll release extra moisture and lose their lovely bite. If you must, freeze only the sauce, then combine with freshly spiralized zucchini when you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the Zucchini Noodles with Marinara in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, or the zucchini will become mushy. A quick toss in a hot pan is all you need to bring those flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini noodles, but be aware they may release more water and become a little softer than fresh. If using them, thaw and drain well before adding to the sauce to reduce extra moisture.
How do I keep my zoodles from getting soggy?
The key is to cook them just until barely tender—typically around two minutes. Overcooking causes them to release water and soften more. You can also sprinkle your spiralized zucchini with a pinch of salt, let them sit for a few minutes, then gently blot with towels before cooking.
What are good marinara sauce options?
Classic homemade marinara is wonderful, but many quality store-bought versions work just as well. Look for a sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a robust flavor. If you want something spicier, try arrabbiata!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! The base recipe is vegetarian, so just leave off or swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative, like nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan, to keep everything plant-based and still packed with flavor.
What other veggies can I spiralize?
Zucchini is classic, but you can also spiralize carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for a colorful, nutrient-packed twist on zucchini noodles with marinara. Get creative with what’s in season!
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t dived into the world of Zucchini Noodles with Marinara yet, there’s no better time. It’s easy, quick, and endlessly satisfying—honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to healthy comfort food in no time!
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Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy pasta alternative, this recipe features spiralized zucchini noodles coated in a flavorful marinara sauce, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Zucchini Noodles:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
Marinara Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh basil and Parmesan for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil, sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, simmer briefly.
- Toss in zucchini noodles: Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the sauce, cook until just tender (~2 minutes).
- Plate and garnish: Serve the zucchini noodles topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg