Zucchini Noodles with Savory Tomato and Sausage Sauce
Transform your excess zucchini into a delightful and healthy dish reminiscent of classic pasta but without the carbs! This Zucchini Noodles recipe features fresh ribbons of zucchini sautéed to tender perfection, combined with a rich and hearty tomato sauce accentuated by Italian turkey sausage. With fragrant garlic, robust oregano, and aromatic basil, this dish bursts with flavor. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it's an easy, satisfying meal that is sure to please both low-carb dieters and pasta lovers alike. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe embraces the wholesome goodness of vegetables while delivering a comforting taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
4 small (sliced into ribbons)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
Garlic
1 clove (pressed)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Italian turkey sausage
1/2 lb (cooked and sliced)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh basil
1 bunch (torn)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing clean, unpeeled zucchini into ribbons using a vegetable peeler, rotating the zucchini as you go for even strips.
2
In a saucepan, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pressed garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
3
Stir in the diced tomatoes and oregano, and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini ribbons to the skillet.
5
Sauté the zucchini, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Be careful not to overcook.
6
Season the zucchini with salt and pepper to taste. Then, pour the prepared tomato sauce over the zucchini noodles.
7
Fold in the cooked, sliced Italian turkey sausage, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
8
Remove from heat and gently fold in the torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Transfer the zucchini pasta to a serving dish.
9
Finish by generously topping the dish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is zucchini, which is sliced into ribbons to act as a pasta alternative.
How many zucchinis are required?
You will need 4 small zucchinis for this recipe.
Should I peel the zucchini before slicing?
No, the recipe recommends using clean, unpeeled zucchini for the noodles.
What is the best way to slice the zucchini into ribbons?
Use a vegetable peeler and rotate the zucchini as you go to create even strips.
What type of sausage is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of cooked and sliced Italian turkey sausage.
How much olive oil is needed?
A total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between the sauce and the zucchini.
How is the garlic prepared?
One clove of garlic should be pressed before being sautéed.
What kind of tomatoes are used for the sauce?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of drained diced tomatoes.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The tomato and oregano mixture should simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.
What heat setting is used to sauté the zucchini?
The zucchini ribbons should be sautéed over medium-high heat.
How long does it take to cook the zucchini noodles?
Sauté the zucchini for 3 to 5 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp.
How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy?
Be careful not to overcook the ribbons; they should remain slightly crisp.
What dried herb is included in the sauce?
One teaspoon of dried oregano is stirred into the diced tomatoes.
When do I add the fresh basil?
Torn fresh basil leaves are folded in after the dish is removed from the heat.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The dish is topped with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is specifically described as a healthy, low-carb alternative to classic pasta.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it can be a vegetarian option by omitting the turkey sausage or using a plant-based substitute.
What seasoning is used for the zucchini?
The zucchini is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How do I combine the sauce and the noodles?
Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the sautéed zucchini and then fold in the sliced sausage.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the pressed garlic until fragrant.
Is the tomato sauce simmered covered or uncovered?
The sauce should be simmered uncovered to allow the flavors to meld.
How much basil is required?
The recipe calls for one bunch of fresh basil, torn into pieces.
Can I use pork sausage instead of turkey sausage?
While the recipe specifies Italian turkey sausage, you can substitute with other cooked sausages if desired.
What equipment is needed to make the noodles?
A vegetable peeler is used to create the ribbon-style noodles.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized under quick recipes and is suitable for an easy weeknight dinner.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This recipe is inspired by Italian cuisine.
What is the texture of the finished zucchini?
The finished zucchini should be tender yet still have a slight crispness.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be added as a final topping just before serving.
How do I prepare the sausage?
The sausage should be fully cooked and sliced before being folded into the pasta mixture.
What makes the tomato sauce savory?
The combination of garlic, oregano, and the juices from the diced tomatoes creates a savory flavor profile.