How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce: A Simple Delight

Learning how to make zucchini noodles with marinara sauce is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, low-carb meal. These tender, al-dente strands provide a lighter alternative to pasta, making dinner feel indulgent without the guilt. Plus, it’s quick and simple enough for any night of the week!

How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce

Preparing the Zucchini Noodles

Start by selecting two large zucchinis. With a spiralizer or julienne peeler, create thin, noodle-like strands. Once you have the perfect shape, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of sea salt over the zucchini noodles to draw out moisture. Set them aside for about 10 minutes. This process helps maintain a delightful texture, ensuring they stay crisp when served.

Making the Rich Marinara Sauce

For the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté them for about 10 minutes. They should become beautifully browned and fragrant. Next, toss in 3 smashed garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to come and taste.

Key Ingredients for Zucchini Noodles and Marinara

The key ingredients for this dish include:

• 2 large zucchini
• 2 teaspoons sea salt (for zucchini)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons honey or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (for sauce)
• Optional: Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast

Step-by-Step Guide to Zucchini Noodles with Marinara

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Noodles

As mentioned earlier, spiralize or julienne the zucchinis, then sprinkle with sea salt and let them rest. This step is crucial in preventing the noodles from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic for the Sauce

After cooking the onions and garlic as described, they should be golden and aromatic. This caramelization enhances the sauce’s flavor, making it rich and inviting.

Step 3: Blend the Marinara Sauce

Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to a blender, add the can of diced tomatoes, and blend until smooth. This will create a luscious tomato base, bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Season the Sauce

Pour the blended sauce back into the pot. Stir in the honey or coconut sugar, balsamic vinegar, and an additional teaspoon of sea salt. Heat this mixture until warm, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare Zucchini Noodles for Serving

Before serving, rinse the zucchini noodles under hot water to loosen them up. Carefully squeeze out any excess moisture; this step keeps the noodles from becoming too watery on your plate.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

To serve, place a generous mound of zucchini noodles on each plate and top with the warm marinara sauce. For added indulgence, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. Enjoy this vibrant dish that is not only visually appealing but also an explosion of taste!

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Noodles

Choosing the Right Zucchini

Opt for firm zucchinis that feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes, as they may not hold up well in cooking.

Preventing Soggy Zucchini Noodles

Avoid using the inner seedy part of the zucchini, as it can contribute to sogginess. Always remember to salt and rest your noodles to draw out moisture.

Best Equipment for Zucchini Noodles

A quality spiralizer or julienne peeler is essential for creating perfect zucchini noodles. This equipment ensures even thickness and helps maintain the ideal texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Vegetarian Main Course Ideas

These zucchini noodles and marinara make a fantastic vegetarian main dish. Pair them with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Protein Pairings for Zucchini Noodles

If you’re looking for added protein, serve these noodles alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced dish that’s healthy and satisfying.

FAQs

Related Recipes to try

• Zucchini Noodles
• Zucchini Quiche Recipe With Eggs
• Zucchini Fritters With Cheddar

Conclusion

This delightful dish is not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile. For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out Pinterest, where you can find endless ideas for dishes like zucchini noodles and marinara sauce. Enjoy creating this wholesome meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce: A Simple Delight

Enjoy a healthy and flavorful alternative to pasta with these simple zucchini noodles tossed in a rich, homemade marinara sauce. This quick recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American, Vegetarian

Servings 2 servings

Equipment

• spiralizer
• Julienne peeler
• blender
• Medium pot

Ingredients

  

• 2 large zucchini julienne or spiralized
• 2 teaspoons sea salt for zucchini
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 medium onions chopped
• 3 cloves garlic smashed
• 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons honey or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt for sauce
• Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast Optional

Sauce

• 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons honey or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt for sauce

Zucchini Noodles

• 2 large zucchini julienne or spiralized
• 2 teaspoons sea salt for zucchini

Garnish

• Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast Optional

Instructions

 

• Prepare zucchini noodles by julienning or spiralizing 2 large zucchinis. Toss with 2 teaspoons sea salt and set aside to drain.
• Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 chopped onions and cook for 10 minutes until browned, stirring frequently.
• Add 3 smashed cloves of garlic to the pot and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
• Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to a blender. Add the 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes and blend until smooth.
• Pour the blended sauce back into the pot. Stir in 2 teaspoons honey or coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Heat the sauce until warm.
• Rinse the prepared zucchini noodles under hot water. Gently squeeze handfuls of the noodles to remove excess moisture.
• Serve the zucchini noodles topped with the warm marinara sauce. Garnish with optional Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Sauce Preparation

• In a medium pot, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 chopped onions and cook for 10 minutes until browned, stirring often.
• Add 3 smashed cloves of garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to a blender. Add the 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes and blend until smooth.
• Return the sauce to the pot. Stir in 2 teaspoons of honey or coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Heat until warm.

Noodle Preparation

• Julienne or spiralize 2 large zucchinis. Toss them with 2 teaspoons of sea salt and let them sit.
• Rinse the salted zucchini noodles under hot water. Gently squeeze handfuls to remove excess moisture before serving.

Notes

To prevent sogginess, avoid boiling or sautéing the zucchini noodles; instead, rinse them under hot water and gently squeeze out excess moisture. Do not use the inner seedy part of the zucchini.

Keyword easy vegetarian recipe, healthy pasta alternative, marinara sauce, zucchini noodles