Go Back
- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce) - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for zucchini) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) When I make zucchini noodles with marinara, I start with fresh zucchinis. They are key for the dish. You want to choose medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture. Olive oil adds flavor and helps the noodles cook just right. For the marinara sauce, garlic and onion build the base flavor. I always use crushed tomatoes because they create a rich and thick sauce. The dried oregano and basil give the sauce a lovely aroma. Seasoning is important too. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you like heat. Fresh basil leaves make a beautiful garnish. Grated Parmesan cheese? It's a great option for extra creaminess. This recipe is easy to customize. You can use other herbs or spices if you prefer. I love how this meal is both quick and tasty. You can find the full recipe to try it yourself! To start, take your medium zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to make long, twisty noodles. You want the strands to look like spaghetti. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler. Just slice the zucchinis into thin, wide strips. Set them on a clean plate and get ready for the sauce. If you don't have special tools, don't worry! A box grater works too. Just grate the zucchinis for thinner noodles. You can also slice them into rounds for a different texture. The key is to enjoy the fresh taste of zucchini, no matter how you cut it. Now, let’s make the marinara sauce. Grab a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about five minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. This brings out the sweet flavor of the onion. Next, add two minced garlic cloves. Stir for one minute until it's fragrant. Then, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes. Mix in one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes too. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens. In another pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your zucchini noodles and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them tender yet still slightly crunchy. Be careful not to overcook them, or they'll turn mushy. When the sauce is thick and yummy, combine it with the zucchini noodles. Gently toss them together until the noodles are fully covered in sauce. This step makes every bite full of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Avoiding Mushy Noodles To keep zucchini noodles firm, cook them briefly. Sauté them for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps them tender yet crunchy. Avoid overcooking. If they become too soft, they can turn mushy and lose their shape. Using Salt to Draw Out Moisture Before cooking, sprinkle salt on the zucchini noodles. Let them sit for about ten minutes. This helps pull out excess moisture. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step makes a big difference in texture. Adding Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs boost flavor in your marinara. Try adding basil or parsley right before serving. They add color and freshness. You can also use oregano for a more traditional taste. These herbs make your sauce pop. Incorporating Protein Options For a heartier dish, add protein. Grilled chicken or turkey works well. You can also add sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist. If you're vegetarian, try chickpeas or lentils for added protein. Alternative Garnishes Have fun with garnishes! Add crushed red pepper for heat or a drizzle of olive oil. Grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess. Fresh herbs also brighten the dish and make it look great. Pairing with Other Dishes Zucchini noodles pair well with many sides. Serve them with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also enjoy them alongside grilled vegetables or a light protein for a complete meal. Explore different combinations to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out the details above and get cooking! {{image_4}} Vegan Options You can easily make this dish vegan. Just skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. The marinara sauce is vegan-friendly, so it fits right in. This way, everyone can enjoy a hearty meal without any animal products. Gluten-Free Alternatives Zucchini noodles are naturally gluten-free. Make sure your marinara sauce does not contain any gluten. Most canned tomatoes and spices are gluten-free, but always check labels to be safe. Spicy Marinara If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes to your sauce. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds. Creamy Marinara (with Cashew Cream) For a creamy twist, blend soaked cashews with a bit of water until smooth. Stir this creamy mix into your marinara sauce. This adds a rich texture and flavor, making the dish even more indulgent. Adding Spinach or Kale You can boost nutrition by adding spinach or kale. Stir them into the marinara sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. They will wilt down nicely and add color to your dish. Other Vegetables to Incorporate Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots. Dice them small and sauté them with the onion for a flavorful base. This way, you create a colorful and healthy meal with diverse flavors. For the full recipe, check out Zucchini Noodles Bliss with Marinara. When it comes to storing your zucchini noodles and marinara, proper cooling is key. Let the dish cool down to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make your noodles soggy. Once cooled, place the leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. They keep your food fresh and safe. For reheating, you can choose the microwave or stovetop method. The microwave is quick and easy but can make the noodles soggy. To use the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and stir in the noodles and sauce. This method helps retain the texture of the noodles. You can freeze both zucchini noodles and marinara sauce, but they require different methods. For freezing zucchini noodles, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For marinara sauce, let it cool, then pour into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the sauce will expand when frozen. You can make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer by using a vegetable peeler. Simply slice the zucchini into long, thin strips. You can also use a box grater to create noodle-like strands. If you prefer, a sharp knife can cut the zucchini into thin ribbons. Each method gives you a different shape, but they all taste great. Yes, you can use store-bought marinara sauce. It saves time and effort. Just check the label for quality ingredients. Some brands use fresh tomatoes and herbs. If you want to enhance the flavor, add garlic, salt, or herbs to the store-bought sauce. Homemade sauce has a personal touch, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch. To prevent watery zucchini noodles, salt them first. After slicing the zucchini, sprinkle salt over the noodles and let them sit for about 10 minutes. The salt draws out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. You can also cook them briefly to help remove moisture. Avoid overcooking to keep them firm. Zucchini noodles are low in calories and high in nutrients. They are a great source of vitamins A and C. Zucchini is also rich in fiber, which is good for digestion. The marinara sauce adds antioxidants from the tomatoes. Together, they make a healthy meal choice. This dish is also gluten-free, making it perfect for various diets. For the full recipe, check the link above. Zucchini noodles are easy and fun to make. You need just a few ingredients for a tasty dish. We covered how to prepare the noodles and make a great marinara sauce. Remember to avoid mushy noodles and try different variations for flavor. In the end, zucchini noodles not only taste good but are also healthy. I hope these tips help you enjoy this dish more. Happy cooking!

Zucchini Noodles with Marinara

Savor the deliciousness of zucchini noodles with marinara in this quick and easy recipe! Perfect for a healthy meal, this dish combines spiralized zucchini with a rich marinara sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Enjoy a wholesome, veggie-packed dinner in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to create this delightful dish for your family tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for zucchini)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Using a spiralizer, create long, noodle-like strands from the zucchinis. If you lack a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler can be utilized to slice the zucchinis into thin, wide strips. Set the prepared noodles aside on a clean plate.

    Cook the Marinara Sauce: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

      Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic is fragrant but doesn’t burn.

        Incorporate Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring everything together. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, a generous pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for approximately 15 minutes and stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.

          Cook the Zucchini Noodles: In another pan, heat a small drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles to the pan, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; they should be tender yet maintain a slight crunch to avoid becoming mushy.

            Combine: Once the marinara sauce has thickened to your liking, add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Gently toss the mixture until the noodles are thoroughly coated in the rich sauce.

              Serve: Use tongs to transfer the zoodles onto plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added richness.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4