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If you’re searching for a speedy, wholesome supper that delivers on flavor and keeps family and budget in mind, zucchini noodles with homemade marinara sauce are your answer. This vibrant, easy weeknight dinner brings healthy eating and comfort food together in one bowl featuring fresh spiralized zucchini and a simple, savory sauce made from pantry staples.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes for those chaotic evenings.
Packed with veggies and nutrients great for anyone with a health focus or looking for kid-friendly dinners.
Requires minimal kitchen tools; check out affiliate equipment links for the fastest prep!

Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need. For best results, try these recommended kitchen tools:

Ingredient	Amount	Kitchen Equipment
Zucchini	2 pounds	Spiralizer or peeler, Cutting board, Chef’s knives
Olive Oil	4 tbsp, divided	Measuring cups and spoons, Mixing bowls
Garlic	6 cloves, minced	Chef’s knives, Garlic press
Whole peeled tomatoes	1 can (28 oz)	Electric can opener
Kosher Salt	1 tsp
Red Pepper Flakes	½ tsp
Dried Oregano	¼ tsp
Fresh basil	1 large sprig
Parmesan cheese/fresh herbs (optional)	½ cup or as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high.
Add garlic; let it sizzle gently don’t let it brown.
Toss in tomatoes, salt, pepper flakes, and oregano. Add water and bring to a low boil.
Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, breaking up tomatoes with a spoon.
In the final 3 minutes, add basil sprig so it infuses gently remove and discard before serving.
Spiralize or ribbon the zucchini using a spiralizer or peeler; prep on a cutting board.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook half the zucchini noodles for 2 minutes, tossing gently.
Repeat with remaining olive oil and zucchini noodles.
Serve zucchini topped with the marinara sauce. Finish with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles they should be just tender, not mushy!
For extra protein, toss in cooked turkey or chicken strips.
If you want a richer sauce, blend using a blender.

Equipment List

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make zucchini noodles ahead of time?

Yes! Spiralize up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the fridge. Quick tip: pat dry with paper towels before sautéing.

What if I don’t have a spiralizer?

Use a vegetable peeler or julienne peeler for ribbon-style “noodles.”

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Make the sauce ahead; reheat and warm the zucchini noodles just before serving.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara freezes wonderfully; just avoid freezing the zucchini noodles they get watery.

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Quick & Healthy Zucchini Noodles with Marinara : 30-Minute Family Dinner Recipe

Print Recipe

A healthy, flavorful, 30-minute family meal with spiralized zucchini and easy homemade marinara.

Author: Alex
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 ounces) can whole peeled tomatoes

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

1 large sprig of basil

2 pounds zucchini

optional – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs

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Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add garlic and cook until it sizzles.

2. Before garlic browns, add whole peeled tomatoes, salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano along with 1 cup water. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat. Simmer 15 minutes, break apart tomatoes.

3. In final 3 minutes, add sprig of basil, remove and discard before serving.

4. Spiralize zucchini using spiralizer or peeler.

5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet, add half the noodles, cook 2 minutes, remove. Repeat with remaining oil and zucchini.

6. Serve noodles topped with sauce, herbs, or cheese as desired.

Notes

Do not overcook zucchini noodles.

Prep the marinara ahead for faster dinners.