Pizza Zucchini Noodles Marinara Recipe

If you love pizza but want something lighter and healthier, this Pizza Zucchini Noodles Marinara recipe is the perfect solution. It brings all your favorite pizza flavors—tangy marinara, melty cheese, and savory toppings—tossed with fresh zucchini noodles instead of dough. This low-carb recipe satisfies your cravings without the heavy carbs, making it ideal for gluten-free and keto-friendly diets.

Pizza Zucchini Noodles Marinara is a great weeknight dinner, lunch option, or meal prep recipe. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with vegetables. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and adult-approved. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy way to enjoy pizza flavors in a bowl, you’ll love this simple and delicious dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low in carbs and calories
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
• Perfect for gluten-free and keto diets
• Packed with fresh vegetables and nutrients
  

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make Pizza Zucchini Noodles Marinara:

• 2 medium zucchini (spiralized into noodles)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
  
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• ¼ cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
  
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make Pizza Zucchini Noodles Marinara?

Step 1: Spiralize the Zucchini

Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or buy pre-spiralized zucchini from the store. Place the noodles in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cook the Zucchini Noodles

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 3–4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until slightly softened but still firm. Don’t overcook, or they’ll become watery.

Step 3: Add Marinara and Seasonings

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir gently to coat the noodles. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes with the noodles.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Add mini pepperoni slices or your favorite pizza toppings. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your guilt-free pizza in a bowl.

Tips for Success

Drain the Zoodles

Zucchini holds a lot of water, so salting and draining the noodles before cooking is important. This keeps your dish from turning soggy.

Don’t Overcook

Cook the zucchini just until tender. Overcooked zoodles can get mushy and watery.

Use Thick Marinara

Choose a thick marinara sauce or simmer it for a few minutes before adding to the noodles. A watery sauce will make the whole dish runny.

Add Toppings at the End

Add toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives after the noodles are sauced, so they stay flavorful and don’t get lost in the mix.

Flavor Variations

Vegetarian Version

Skip the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a veggie pizza bowl.

Spicy Zucchini Noodle Pizza

Add extra red pepper flakes or top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy version.

Protein Boost

Add cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or grilled chicken to make it more filling.

White Pizza Style

Use Alfredo or a garlic cream sauce instead of marinara for a white pizza twist.

What to Serve With Pizza Zucchini Noodles?

This dish can be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Garlic bread or low-carb flatbread
  
• Green salad or Caesar salad
  
• Roasted vegetables
  
• Grilled chicken or shrimp
  

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Meal Prep

You can spiralize the zucchini and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the zoodles watery.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply use dairy-free cheese alternatives like vegan mozzarella and Parmesan to keep it dairy-free.

2. How do I keep zucchini noodles from being watery?

Salt the zoodles and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. Also, cook them just until tender and use a thick marinara sauce.

3. Can I use frozen zucchini noodles?

You can, but they may be more watery. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before cooking.

4. What kind of marinara sauce works best?

A thick, flavorful sauce with minimal sugar works best. You can use store-bought or homemade—just be sure it’s not too thin.

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Final Thoughts

Crispy oven fried potatoes and onions are one of those timeless dishes that never go out of style. They’re easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and fit in with almost any meal of the day. The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy ingredients — just a hot oven, a few pantry staples, and a little bit of love.

Whether you serve them for breakfast with eggs, for dinner with steak, or just enjoy them on their own, these potatoes are sure to satisfy every time. Try it once, and it might become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.