Description
Savor summer’s freshest flavors with this zucchini noodles recipe that brings Mediterranean simplicity to your plate. Delicate spirals of garden-fresh zucchini mingle with fragrant herbs, creating a light and refreshing meal you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 zucchini (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)
- 2 medium tomatoes (12 ounces / 340 grams)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3–4 cloves)
- Salt to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water
Instructions
- Transform zucchini into delicate spirals using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, creating elegant, long noodle-like strands.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, preparing the cooking surface for aromatic ingredients.
- Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the heated oil, allowing them to release their vibrant flavors and create a sizzling base.
- Gently fold zucchini noodles into the fragrant mixture, sautéing for 4-6 minutes to achieve a tender yet crisp texture.
- Incorporate ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and grated parmesan, allowing ingredients to meld for approximately 60 seconds.
- Transfer the zucchini mixture to a serving platter, carefully reserving the flavorful liquid in the cooking pan.
- Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth thickening agent for the sauce.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan, simmering for 45-60 seconds until the sauce reaches a glossy, slightly thickened consistency.
- Cascade the aromatic sauce over the zucchini noodles, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot.
Notes
- Pat zucchini dry before spiralizing to prevent watery noodles and ensure better texture.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor and vibrant color in the dish.
- Try different herbs like oregano or thyme to customize the taste profile.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp to make the meal more substantial.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg