A low-carb, veggie-loaded dinner recipe perfect for the summer months. An easy healthy recipe that makes a tasty weeknight dinner on the nights you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. This tomato zoodles pasta is simple to make and comes with a bit of a spicy kick (just like these turkey meatballs on spaghetti squash).
Do you remember those old cans of zoodles?? You know, the mini noodles in the shape of batman or Scooby Do`s in the creepy "tomato" sauce? I used to eat those every single day. With my white bread to dip into it.
Seriously, Every. Single. Day. Mainly, because they were fast, moderately tasty and I could microwave them. They now make me cringe.. what is in those?!
Anyways, nowadays as a Certified Nutrition Coach, the word zoodles has a whole new meaning to it! And I promise zoodles recipes are much tastier and healthier than what you remember!
Use In-Season Veggies For The Zucchini Noodles Pasta
One of the reasons I came up with this zoodles recipe is because I had an abundance of zucchini (aka courgettes) and tomatoes in my garden that needed to be used up (FYI: learn about canning green tomatoes if you have extra!)
While canned tomatoes will work, using up fresh, local produce will always be best.
How To Make Zoodles
If you haven't been introduced to a spiralizer, you're missing out. Spiralizers help:
- keep your meals interesting
- replace noodles in a dish with a healthier option
- are great for low-carb recipes
- make simple dishes like coleslaw or stir fry more visually appealing
A spiralizer has been a staple in my kitchen for almost eight years now (I went through a raw stage). Not only is it fun (the kids love it!) but you can load up your meal with veggies and skip the starch.
And while I'm not promoting any specific diet (I enjoy carbs actually) it is nice to get the veggie boost, try something new, or eat a lighter meal sometimes. I use the spiralizer to make:
- Zoodles recipes (zucchini noodles)
- Sweet potato noodles
- Spiralized carrots for salads or carrot noodles
I use a spiralizer the most to make noodles but works well with so many vegetables for salads or meals. Kids love the different noodles and so it's a great way to sneak veggies into their diets.
The spiralizer takes the vegetables and turns it against a blade to make ringlets and noodles specific to the size of the blade you choose.
If you're gluten-free, it's a wonderful option.
Adjusting Spice
This zoodles pasta is simple and delicious because it's got a bit of a kick to it! It can obviously be made without spice for kiddos but personally, adding a bit of spice to your diet isn't a bad thing.
The dish itself takes roughly fifteen minutes to whip up which makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. it's plant-based thanks to loads of veggies and gluten-free.
We use this recipe the most during the summer months because it's a light, fast option that uses up everything from our own personal garden. And if you need a few more ideas to use up any leftover zucchini, check out these ten creative ideas!
Adding Protein
This zoodles pasta was made as a vegan option as I wanted to leave it up to you! However, we've used the following foods to add some protein to the dish and all have worked out amazingly:
- grilled chicken
- hemp hearts and nutritional yeast
- meatballs
Add protein in the way you enjoy most!
Keep Dinnertime Simple
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If you’re looking for even easier, healthy dinner recipes, check out The Busy Moms E-Cookbook,- simple dinners for busy moms where I’ve gathered 30 healthy dinner recipes that can be made in thirty minutes or less. From easy vegan tacos to beef and quinoa chili, simple chicken pasta to a bok choy and mushroom bowl. These dinner recipes share a few things in common:
- They are healthy and simple to make
- All of the recipes are dairy-free or could easily be made dairy-free
- The majority of the recipes are gluten-free
- All of the recipes are real-food based and focus on nutrients not fillers
- They’re all tasty!
To make dinner-time even LESS stressful, I’ve also included several bonus tips on food prep, pantry staples and how to make healthy eating simple. Grab your copy of The Busy Mom’s E-Cookbook.
Ingredients
- zucchini
- avocado oil
- red pepper flakes
- garlic, minced
- sundried tomatoes, chopped
- spinach, chopped
- chopped tomatoes
Kitchen Tools You Need
How To Make The Tomato Zucchini Noodles Pasta
Spiralize the zucchini into noodles and place in a bowl.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium to high heat. Add in the red pepper flakes and cook 2-4 minutes.
Add in the garlic and tomato- it should sizzle once added.
Cook 2-3 minutes.
Add in the sundried tomatoes, spinach and zucchini.
Cook until the zoodles are heated through and spinach is slightly wilted.
Serves three.
Don't Forget To Pin This Spicy Zoodles Recipe!
Spicy Tomato Zucchini Noodles Pasta
Equipment
- Spiralizer
Ingredients
- 3 zucchini
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes chopped
- 1-1.5 cup spinach chopped
- 5 cup chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchini into noodles and place in a bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium to high heat. Add in the red pepper flakes and cook 2-4 minutes.
- Add in the garlic and tomato- it should sizzle once added.
- Cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the sundried tomatoes, spinach and zucchini.
- Cook until zoodles are heated through and spinach is slightly wilted.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This spinach and tomato zoodle pasta makes the perfect quick and healthy dinner. Loaded with plant-based nutrients (hello veggies!) this zoodle pasta comes together in under thirty minutes and tastes great.
Shelby aka Mama Bear
Farrah
I haven't made zoodles in a while, but I need to start again!
fitasamamabear
I hadn't either and then that's all we ate for like four weeks haha I love em
Annmarie
Love the sundried tomatoes in there - this looks delicious!
fitasamamabear
They add such a nice flavor- my hubby loves them so it makes him more willing to try all veggie dishes haha