Noodles made from zucchini? Yes! They are terrific. If eliminating pasta is too much of a switch all at once for your family, try this recipe. Half zucchini noodles and half pasta noodles are a terrific combination. Add roasted tomatoes (which can be made ahead) for a delicious and healthy meatless dinner.
Noodles: Zucchini and Pasta
Recently I wrote about how to make zucchini noodles with a fun tool called a spiral vegetable slicer. Zucchini noodles are a playful way to introduce more healthy vegetables into your diet.
If the leap to all zucchini noodles is a stretch for your family, or if you still want to include grains, try this: use half as much spaghetti and mix in zucchini noodles. Choose either gluten-free spaghetti, made from brown rice, or whole grain wheat pasta.
Cook one ounce of dried spaghetti per person and mix it with your zucchini noodles, half and half. You are eating half the pasta, and adding a healthy dose of vegetables. How to know how much pasta you are cooking? You need a digital kitchen scale. It’s an invaluable tool for any kitchen.
The Best Gluten-Free Pasta
If you have tried brown rice pasta that is mushy and falls apart, here is the solution. Track down Jovial brand in the green box. It is fantastic and all I buy. Jovial is available at many stores and online, such as Thrive Market and Amazon.
Herb Roasted Tomatoes
Roasting tomatoes to go with the pasta is easy and takes 20-25 minutes. You can even make them several days ahead. Make more than you think you need. With a concentrated, natural sweetness, plus lots of fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil, they are so tasty you will eat more than you think! Here is the easy recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe roasted tomatoes LINK BELOW
- 2 ounces spaghetti brown rice or whole wheat
- 1 large zucchini about 8 ounces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot sliced into thin rings
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 2 or more tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, oregano or basil leaves a combination is nice
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375° and roast tomatoes following recipe. When done roasting, keep tomatoes warm.
- Bring a pot of water to boil for the spaghetti and spiral slice your zucchini noodles.
- Heat olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium low heat and add shallot. Cook, stirring, until shallot rings are softened, 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add zucchini noodles to the pan and cook 2-3 minutes or until softened. Add the pasta, as many tomatoes as you'd like, herbs and toss together. Place in shallow bowls to serve. If desired, drizzle with a little more olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
Your making me hungry. 🙂
Ali @ Inspiralized says
Beautiful recipe! I love a simple zucchini pasta dish!
Joel A. says
Thanks for sharing! Now, I know how to make Zucchini noddles. But I need to purchase this spiral vegetable slicer first.
Joybee says
Mmmmm this sounds delicious. Another kitchen gadget I want but don't have space for...couldn't you use a peeler and make thin slices it's not as pretty but I think it would work ok.
Sally says
Hi Joybee. Unfortunately a peeler just won't do the same job. Sure you can't squeeze in it somewhere? Done a kitchen clean out recently for space? Store in a closet in the box?
Jamieanne says
I made this recipe the other day and loved it! Very easy and healthy! Unfortunately, I can't say my husband enjoyed it; although he did eat his entire serving, he informed me he didn't want it again - but I'm glad he got some fresh vegetables in him for once because he never eats them (he's just like a fussy kid who hates veggies!)! Thanks for sharing the recipe though, I'm sure I'll be making it again for a delicious lunch for myself while my husband's at work! 🙂