Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes: Your Low-Carb Pasta Alternative

Embrace a vibrant and wholesome meal with our Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes, a dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying. This recipe offers a light, fresh, and flavorful alternative to traditional pasta, significantly reducing carbs while boosting nutrient intake. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a refreshing lunch, offering natural sweetness and savory depth that truly outshines fatty fried options.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes

Embrace a vibrant and wholesome meal with our Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes, a dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying.

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Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Servings: 2Course: Main DishCuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 3 medium Zucchinis
• 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
• ½ cup store-bought or homemade Pesto
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh Basil leaves, chopped
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Wash and trim the ends off the zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to create thin, even zucchini noodles; set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, sautéing for about 3-5 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and burst.
3. Add Zucchini Noodles: Incorporate the spiralized zucchini noodles into the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Toss gently for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are slightly tender but still retain a slight crunch. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
4. Stir in Pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto until the noodles are evenly coated. The residual heat will warm the pesto without cooking out its fresh flavor.
5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Why You'll Love Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes

• Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: A fantastic alternative to wheat pasta, ideal for various dietary needs.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Fresh & Flavorful: Packed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic pesto for a delightful taste.
• Nutrient-Rich: Zucchini offers vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall well-being.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite protein or extra veggies.

Ingredients for Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a truly delightful and healthy meal.

• 3 medium Zucchinis: Forms the low-carb "noodles" base.
• 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes: Adds bursts of natural sweetness and color.
• ½ cup store-bought or homemade Pesto: Provides a rich, herbaceous, and savory flavor.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing and enhancing flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic depth.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• ¼ cup fresh Basil leaves, chopped: For garnish and a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra layer of salty, umami flavor.

How to Make Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in no time.

1. 1. Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Wash and trim the ends off the zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to create thin, even zucchini noodles; set aside.
2. 2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, sautéing for about 3-5 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and burst.
3. 3. Add Zucchini Noodles: Incorporate the spiralized zucchini noodles into the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Toss gently for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are slightly tender but still retain a slight crunch. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.

4. 4. Stir in Pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto until the noodles are evenly coated. The residual heat will warm the pesto without cooking out its fresh flavor.
5. 5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately. For another delicious and healthy option, try our Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Chickpeas.

Expert Tips

• Prevent Watery Zoodles: After spiralizing, lay zucchini noodles on paper towels and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture. This prevents a watery sauce.
• Don't Overcook: Zucchini noodles cook very quickly. Sauté them briefly, just until al dente, to maintain their texture and avoid a mushy result.
• Flavor Boost: Toast a few pine nuts and sprinkle them over the dish just before serving for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the zucchini.
• Homemade Pesto: For the freshest flavor, consider making your own pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil.

Recipe Variations

This versatile dish can be easily adapted to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Protein: Fold in grilled chicken, shrimp, crumbled feta, or white beans for a more substantial meal. If you enjoy quick and flavorful protein additions, consider our Quick Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give it a pleasant heat.
• Other Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added alongside the cherry tomatoes.
• Nut-Free Pesto: If you have nut allergies, use a pesto made with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely.

How to Serve Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes

Serve this vibrant dish immediately as a light main course or a flavorful side. It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or a piece of crusty whole-grain bread for those not strictly adhering to low-carb. Garnish generously with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil for an elevated presentation. For another satisfying meal, try Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies.

How Long to Cook Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes

The entire cooking process for this dish is remarkably fast. Once your ingredients are prepped, the zucchini noodles and tomatoes only need about 5-8 minutes of gentle sautéing over medium heat. The goal is to warm them through and slightly soften the zucchini, ensuring it remains firm and not watery. Look for the cherry tomatoes to just begin bursting and the zucchini to be vibrantly green and slightly pliable.

Is Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes Healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is a powerhouse of nutrients and a fantastic choice for a healthy lifestyle. Zucchini is low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C, and provides fiber for digestion. Cherry tomatoes add antioxidants like lycopene, and pesto, while calorie-dense, offers healthy fats from olive oil and beneficial compounds from basil and garlic. It's a balanced meal that supports overall well-being.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 250mg