Who doesn’t like a good pasta with meat sauce? But how many have actually tried zucchini noodles instead of pasta? I was sooooo skeptical when I was first introduced to it but if I want that bowl of meat sauce and pasta without dealing with gluten issues, something had to give. Now let’s be clear – I do still sometimes have pasta but this recipe pairs well with the zucchini noodles and can be a nice lighter option for spring!

FOR MEAT SAUCE

  • 1 lb ground meat of your choice (chicken/turkey/beef)
  • 2 sausages, cooked and chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced fine
  • 2 stalks of celery, diced fine
  • 1 carrot, diced fine
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Himalayan salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

FOR ZUCCHINI NOODLES

  • 2 spiralized zucchinis (I use the vegetti spiralizer)
  • 1 clove garlic, diced fine
  • Himalayan salt, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  1. In a large lidded pan heat oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, celery, carrot, parsley, garlic and salt and mix to coat the vegetables.
  3. Cook for 3-4 minutes till vegetables are softened.
  4. Add the meat and using the back of the spatula, break up any big pieces.
  5. Lower the heat and cook the meat till it is no longer pink, approx 5 minutes.
  6. Add the tomatoes and give it a good stir. (I prefer a chunkier sauce so I use diced tomatoes but feel free to substitute it with tomato purée if you prefer)
  7. Next add the red pepper flakes, if you are using it along with the salt.
  8. Cover the pan and let the meat sauce simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  9. While the sauce thickens, move on to the zucchini noodles. Heat another pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  10. Next add the garlic and stir just enough to infuse the oil with the flavor.
  11. Add the spiralized Zucchini to the pan and using tongs keep tossing to coat with the olive oil.
  12. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, moving the noodles continuously.
  13. Remove from heat and then add the salt. (If you add the salt too soon, the zucchini will release its water making the noodles soggy)
  14. Serve hot along with your meat sauce.