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Cooking cherry tomatoes to perfection is an art in itself. As you sauté them, keep an eye on their appearance and aroma. When the tomatoes begin to soften and their skins start to wrinkle, it’s a sign they are ready to burst with flavor. You’ll notice a sweet, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen, which indicates that the natural sugars within the tomatoes are caramelizing.

Easy Zucchini Dinners

Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomatoes, a delightful dish perfect for summer. These fresh, healthy zoodles serve as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, making it an ideal choice for light lunches or dinners. Easy to prepare, this recipe encourages creativity with endless variations, whether you want to keep it vegan or add protein. Enjoy a nourishing meal that’s packed with vitamins, flavor, and color!

Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler, create noodles from the zucchinis. If using a peeler, cut long strips to resemble fettuccine. Set aside.

    Cook the Cherry Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add Tomatoes: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices.

        Season: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the flavors.

          Combine with Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles into the skillet and toss gently, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are just tender but still have a bite (al dente). Be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.

            Finish and Serve: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the noodles and mix in the chopped basil. Remove from heat, and if desired, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.

              Enjoy: Serve immediately while the dish is warm and vibrant. Enjoy your healthy and zesty zucchini noodles!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings