How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce

Zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles," are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta. Whether you're following a low-carb, gluten-free or Paleo diet, these vegetable-based noodles offer a light and healthy way to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes.

One of the best ways to prepare zucchini noodles is with a fresh and flavorful marinara sauce, like in this Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce recipe. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is easy to make and bursting with nutrients.

This Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce Recipe is a great raw recipe full of flavor, fiber and vitamin C. Try this raw recipe for dinner tonight, or make a heated version if you prefer a cooked dish.

Key ingredients

This zucchini noodles recipe is not only tasty, but also highly nutritious. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients and their health benefits:

Zucchini

A low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins C and A, and antioxidants, zucchini helps with digestion, supports eye health and may promote weight loss due to its high water content.

Tomatoes

The base of the marinara sauce, tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.

Garlic

A powerful ingredient known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic also supports heart health and has antibacterial effects.

Olive oil

A heart-healthy fat that contains monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, olive oil can contribute to reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health.

Basil

A fragrant herb with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, basil can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Sea salt and black pepper

These are common seasonings that enhance taste while providing minerals and aiding digestion.

How to make zucchini noodles

Making zucchini noodles at home is simple and requires minimal ingredients. Follow these easy steps to prepare a delicious plate of zoodles with marinara sauce.

First, put all the ingredients except the olive oil and zucchini in a food processor. This means the regular and sun-dried tomatoes, bell pepper, honey, garlic, sea salt, cayenne, basil, and oregano.

Then pour the mixture into a bowl, and mix in the olive oil.

Next, use a spiralizer to transform the zucchini into zucchini noodles. Put each piece through the spiralizer to get your zoodles.

Put your zoodles in the bowl with the rest of the ingredients, toss it all with enough marinara sauce to coat the zucchini noodle mixture and serve immediately as a cold, raw dish.

What's great about this zucchini noodles recipe is you can also make it a hot dish if you choose. Here's how to modify the recipe to make it a hot meal:

1. Spiralize the zucchini. Use a spiralizer, julienne peeler or a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips.
2. Sauté the zoodles. Heat a pan with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy. Add the remaining ingredients too to warm them up.
3. Prepare the marinara sauce. In a separate pan, heat olive oil, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Combine and serve. Toss the zucchini noodles mixture with the warm marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

If you want, you can also make your own homemade marinara sauce with this pasta sauce recipe or vegan pasta sauce. This way you can control the ingredients in your sauce to ensure it's as healthy as possible.

If you're going with store-bought marinara, opt for the least processed versions you can find without added sugars or harmful ingredients.

Other recommended pasta dishes

In addition to zucchini noodle recipes, here are more healthy, homemade pasta recipes to try:

• Italian-Inspired Macaroni Salad Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes
• Vegan Alfredo
• Tuscan Pasta
• Tuna Pasta Salad with Kalamata Olives and Cherry Tomatoes
• Zucchini Lasagna