![- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 can of 28 ounces crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon olive oil I love using fresh zucchini for this dish. The zucchinis are low in carbs and full of nutrients. They make a great base for the marinara sauce. I often spiralize them to create fun noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works well too. Next, crushed tomatoes are key for the sauce. They provide a rich, sweet base. I prefer canned crushed tomatoes for convenience. They are easy to use and taste great. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the onions. I use extra virgin for the best taste. Just one tablespoon is enough to enhance the dish. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Herbs are essential for flavor. Dried oregano and basil add a classic Italian touch. They give the sauce depth and aroma. I often add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese Garnishes can elevate your dish. Fresh basil leaves add color and freshness. They also bring a lovely aroma. Grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and a salty kick. You can add these right before serving for the best taste. This simple list of ingredients makes preparing zucchini noodles with marinara easy and fun. You can find the full recipe for a step-by-step guide. To make zucchini noodles, I use a tool called a spiralizer. This tool creates long, curly noodles from the zucchini. It’s fun and easy! Just wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and twist it in the spiralizer. If you don’t have a spiralizer, no problem! You can use a vegetable peeler. Simply peel the zucchini into thin strips. These strips will work just as well for your dish. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add diced onions. Sauté them until they turn soft and clear, about five minutes. This step builds a great base for the sauce. Next, add minced garlic. Stir it in for one minute until you smell its lovely scent. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Mix well and add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If you like a little spice, include red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors. In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté them for just two to three minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Once the marinara sauce is ready, add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss them together. You want every noodle to be covered in that tasty marinara. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To get the best zucchini noodles, avoid mushiness. Here are some tips: - Use fresh zucchinis: They hold their shape better. - Do not overcook: Sauté for only 2-3 minutes. They should be tender but still firm. - Drain excess moisture: After spiralizing, let them sit in a colander for a few minutes. This helps remove water. When cooking zucchini noodles, I recommend sautéing them. This method keeps them crunchy and flavorful. You can also try grilling for a smoky taste. To make your marinara sauce richer, follow these steps: - Use good quality crushed tomatoes: This is key for depth. - Sauté onion and garlic: Make sure they are soft and fragrant before adding tomatoes. - Add a splash of red wine: This adds a nice acidity. For extra flavor, consider these ingredients: - Carrots: Grate one into the sauce for sweetness. - Olive oil: Drizzle a bit before serving for richness. - Fresh herbs: Toss in chopped parsley or basil right before serving. Pairing zucchini noodles with protein makes the meal more filling. Consider these options: - Grilled chicken: Slice it and place it on top. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp and mix them in for a seafood twist. For side dishes, think about: - Garlic bread: A classic choice that complements the meal. - A fresh salad: Something light can balance the dish nicely. Explore the [Full Recipe] to see how to create this delightful dish! {{image_2}} Shall we try pesto instead? Pesto brings a fresh twist to your zucchini noodles. You can blend fresh basil, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and cheese for a bright flavor. Or, skip the cheese for a vegan option. This sauce pairs well with the mild taste of zucchini. Cream-based sauce options also work well. A light Alfredo sauce can add a creamy texture. Mix heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan for a rich delight. This sauce makes your dish feel hearty and satisfying. You can add vegetables for extra nutrition. Spinach, bell peppers, or carrots blend well into the dish. These add color and crunch. You can also sauté them with the garlic and onions for more flavor. For protein options, consider grilled chicken or shrimp. They add a nice bite and complete your meal. You can also use chickpeas or beans for a plant-based source of protein. For vegan substitutions, try nutritional yeast instead of cheese. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture. Explore gluten-free options by using gluten-free pasta instead of zucchini noodles. This way, you keep the dish light while also making it filling. Enjoy your meal with these variations and make it your own! To store leftovers, place zucchini noodles and marinara sauce in separate airtight containers. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil for flavor. Heat the zucchini noodles for just a minute or two. Then, add the marinara sauce and stir until warm. This method keeps the noodles firm. Can you freeze zucchini noodles? Yes, but it's best to freeze them uncooked. Place the noodles in a freezer bag, remove air, and seal tightly. They can last up to three months. For the marinara sauce, let it cool completely before freezing. Pour it into a freezer-safe container. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove for a fresh taste. Enjoy your zucchini noodles with marinara again and again! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. How do I make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer? You can make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer. Use a vegetable peeler instead. Just peel the zucchini into thin strips. You can also use a box grater for a different shape. This makes great noodles too. Are zucchini noodles low in carbs? Yes, zucchini noodles are low in carbs. They contain fewer carbs than regular pasta. This makes them a good choice for low-carb diets. They are also high in fiber and nutrients. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. They need to be peeled and chopped first. Use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes for a similar taste. Fresh tomatoes may give a lighter flavor. How long does homemade marinara last in the fridge? Homemade marinara sauce lasts about 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for later use. What should I serve with zucchini noodles? You can serve zucchini noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp. They also pair well with a side salad. Try adding some crusty bread for a complete meal. Can I meal prep zucchini noodles with marinara? Yes, you can meal prep zucchini noodles with marinara. Store them separately to keep the noodles fresh. Combine them just before eating for the best taste. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the process. Zucchini noodles and marinara are simple yet tasty. We covered the main ingredients and how to cook them. I shared tips to keep your noodles firm and ways to enhance flavor. You can explore variations to suit your taste or diet. Proper storage ensures your meal stays fresh longer. Remember, zucchini noodles can be fun and healthy. Try this recipe for a tasty twist on a classic dish. Enjoy the delicious flavors and health benefits. Cooking can be easy and rewarding!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8f80c954-cd44-49d2-acbc-b77e3f03da42-250x250.webp)
Zucchini Noodles with Marinara
Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with zucchini noodles bliss featuring marinara sauce! This easy recipe transforms fresh zucchinis into mouthwatering noodles topped with a rich, homemade marinara bursting with flavor. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and tips for making this scrumptious dish today!