Go Back
- Zucchini: 2 medium, spiralized into noodles - Tomatoes: 2 cups cherry, halved - Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon extra virgin - Garlic: 3 cloves, finely minced - Spices: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon fresh basil - Seasoning: Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Optional Ingredients: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes To make this dish, fresh ingredients are key. The zucchini offers a light base, while cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Spiralizing the zucchini makes it fun and easy to eat. Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich flavor. Minced garlic adds depth and aroma. Dried oregano and fresh basil bring out the best in the tomatoes. Seasoning with sea salt and black pepper helps balance the flavors. If you want to elevate the dish, add Parmesan for creaminess. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. For the full recipe, check out the vibrant tomato zucchini pasta delight. It’s simple yet packed with flavor. - Heating the Olive Oil Start by pouring one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil into a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to shimmer. This shows that the oil is hot enough to cook with and will help bring out the flavors. - Adding Garlic and Precautions Next, add three finely minced garlic cloves to the oil. Sauté them for about one minute. Keep an eye on the garlic, as you don’t want it to brown or burn. Burnt garlic can taste bitter, which will ruin your dish. - Softening and Bursting the Tomatoes Toss in two cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir them occasionally for about five to seven minutes. You want to see them soften and start to burst. This releases their juices and creates a rich sauce for your pasta. - Timing for Best Flavor Allow the tomatoes to cook until they are nicely softened. This helps enhance their sweet flavor. Timing is key here—don’t rush this step! - Introducing Spiralized Zucchini Now, add two medium zucchinis that have been spiralized into noodles. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook this mixture for another three to four minutes. You want the zucchini to soften just a bit but still keep some crunch. - Final Seasoning and Flavoring Season the entire dish with a pinch of sea salt and some freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Just before you finish cooking, fold in one teaspoon of finely chopped fresh basil. This keeps its bright flavor. If you like, add a quarter cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. Toss everything together gently before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the *Full Recipe* section above. Enjoy your vibrant and healthy tomato zucchini pasta! Maintaining the right texture in your dish is key. For zucchini, you want a nice crunch. Cook it for just 3-4 minutes after adding it to the skillet. This keeps it tender yet firm. Overcooking makes it mushy and sad. You want your pasta to have a snap. Timing is also crucial for the tomatoes. Cook them until they soften and burst, about 5-7 minutes. This process brings out their natural sweetness. If you let them cook too long, they’ll lose their fresh flavor. Aim for a balance between soft and juicy. Fresh herbs are a game changer. I love adding basil because it brightens the dish. Toss it in just before serving to keep its flavor strong. Oregano adds an earthy note, which pairs well with tomatoes. Don't skip the herbs; they make your dish pop. Cheese can also boost flavor. I recommend freshly grated Parmesan for its rich taste. If you prefer a lighter option, try nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. Be creative! Cheese adds a creamy texture that rounds out the dish. When serving, think about how to make it look nice. Use shallow bowls for an elegant touch. This allows the colors to shine. Top each serving with more fresh basil and a twist of black pepper. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds heat and looks great too. Make your dish appealing to the eyes as well as the palate. A little care in how you serve can elevate the whole meal. Enjoy the process and let your creativity flow! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make this dish heartier by adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Grilled chicken gives a nice, savory bite. Simply slice cooked chicken and toss it in just before serving. Shrimp is quick to cook. Add it to the skillet when you cook the tomatoes. Let them turn pink and curl up for perfect results. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based proteins. Chickpeas or lentils work well. They are high in protein and add texture. Mix them in with the zucchini for a filling meal. Feel free to swap in other fresh vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms can bring new flavors. These veggies will add color and nutrients to the dish. Just keep an eye on cooking times. For example, mushrooms may need a bit longer to cook than zucchini. If you use firmer vegetables like carrots, slice them thin. This helps them cook faster and blend well with the pasta. Adjust your cooking times based on how soft you want your veggies. Want to spice things up? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the dish. This gives it a nice kick. You can sprinkle some in while cooking or just before serving. This little addition can make a big difference. Experimenting with herbs is also fun. Try adding thyme or parsley instead of basil. These herbs can change the flavor in a fresh way. You might find a new favorite blend! For the full recipe, check out the vibrant Tomato Zucchini Pasta Delight. To keep your Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta fresh, follow these tips for leftovers: - Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - If you store the zucchini noodles separately, they’ll stay crisp longer. When you store prepared pasta, it’s best to: - Avoid mixing it with sauce until serving. - Reheat only what you will eat to maintain texture. If you want to keep zucchini noodles for a longer time, freezing works well. Here’s how: - Spiralize your zucchini and blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. - Cool them quickly in ice water, then drain. - Place the noodles in a freezer bag and remove excess air before sealing. To reheat your frozen zucchini noodles for best results: - Thaw them overnight in the fridge. - Sauté them in a pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. - This way, they remain tender but not mushy. For the full recipe, check out the Vibrant Tomato Zucchini Pasta Delight! To spiralize zucchini, you need a spiralizer. This tool makes long, curly noodles from the zucchini. You can find hand-held ones or larger countertop models. - Use a sharp knife if you don’t have a spiralizer. Cut the zucchini into thin strips. - Ensure even pressure while spiralizing. This gives you nice, uniform noodles. - Keep the skin on for added color and nutrients. The key is to keep the zucchini steady. You want to make long, thin strands. Remember, the thinner the noodles, the quicker they cook. Yes, you can substitute different pasta types in this recipe. Here are some options: - Whole grain pasta: This adds more fiber and nutrients. - Gluten-free pasta: Use rice or quinoa-based pasta if you need gluten-free options. - Chickpea or lentil pasta: These options provide protein and a nice flavor. Each type of pasta has its own cooking time. Make sure to check the package for best results. To balance this dish, consider these side dishes: - Garlic bread: It adds a crunchy texture and complements the flavors. - Mixed green salad: A fresh salad brings in more nutrients and color. - Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant work well. These sides make your meal more filling and flavorful. They also add variety to your plate. This recipe is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately. - Keep zucchini noodles fresh by storing them in a sealed container. - Reheat gently when you are ready to eat to avoid sogginess. You can enjoy this dish throughout the week. It stays tasty and healthy. For the Full Recipe, check the details above. This post covered how to make healthy tomato zucchini pasta. We explored fresh produce, pantry staples, and step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips to enhance flavor and texture. Variations like adding proteins or different veggies offer creative ways to change the dish. Lastly, storage info ensures your meal stays fresh. Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta

Discover the vibrant flavors of Tomato Zucchini Pasta Delight! This quick and easy recipe features spiralized zucchini and juicy cherry tomatoes, tossed with garlic and fresh herbs for a delightful meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a light dinner or a healthy lunch, it's both nutritious and satisfying. Click through now to explore the full recipe and learn some tasty presentation tips that will impress your guests!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute or until it's fragrant—be careful not to let it brown, as this can make it bitter.

      Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, stirring them occasionally. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, releasing their delicious juices.

        Next, introduce the spiralized zucchini and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the zucchini soften slightly while maintaining a delightful crunch.

          Season the entire mixture with a pinch of sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper to taste. Fold in the fresh basil just before removing the skillet from the heat to preserve its bright flavor.

            If you choose, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss everything together to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the dish.

              Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an optional touch of heat and visual appeal.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 2

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, topping each serving with an additional sprinkle of fresh basil and a twist of freshly cracked black pepper for a pop of color.