Close-up shot of a plate of zoodles with creamy tomato basil sauce

Zoodles instead of pasta

zoodles with a creamy tomato and basil sauce

By Martin Luther

Published: 11 Mar 2025

This recipe is super simple. It's perfect for a weeknight meal when you're craving something healthy and delicious but don't have a lot of time. Trust me, it is easier than you think! My friend Sarah made this the other night and called me to brag about how easy it was!
A close-up of perfectly spiralized zucchini
I love this recipe because it's incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add some mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Oh, and don't forget the parmesan cheese! (unless you are vegan, then please don't forget the nutritional yeast!)
A person happily eating a bowl of zoodles

Required Equipments

  • Spiralizer or vegetable peeler
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander

Zoodles-with-a-Creamy-Tomato-and-Basil-Sauce

This recipe for zoodles with a creamy tomato and basil sauce is quick, healthy, and unbelievably delicious. It's the perfect weeknight meal for those busy evenings.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 1 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, wash and dry your zucchini. If you're using a spiralizer, follow the manufacturer's instructions to create zoodles. If using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel long, thin ribbons from the zucchini. Don't worry about them being perfectly uniform—rustic is charming!
  2. Next, get that sauce going! Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a clove of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; that would be sad.
  3. Now, add a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. While the sauce simmers, you'll want to cook the zoodles. Add the zoodles to a pot of boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, until they are just tender-crisp. You don't want them to become mushy, so keep a close eye on them! Drain and set aside.
  5. Once the sauce is nicely simmered, stir in a generous handful of fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, the perfect seasoning is a personal thing.
  6. Finally, gently add the cooked zoodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Cook for another minute or two, just to warm them through. It's essential not to overcook them—remember, we want that delightful tenderness-crispness!
  7. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra basil if you're feeling fancy. And there you have it, the simplest, most amazing zoodle dish you'll ever make! Well, maybe...but they are pretty darn good!

📝 Notes

  • If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms.
  • For a richer flavor, use a high-quality olive oil like extra virgin olive oil.
  • If you want a cheesier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end of cooking. Don't overcook, or the sauce will become grainy!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 200 kcal

Protein: 5 g

Fat: 10 g

Carbohydrates: 20 g

Fiber: 3 g

Calcium: 20 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

“Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food.”

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