Savor the wholesome goodness of this Whole30 Penne Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce, a guilt-free twist on a classic Italian favorite! Made with spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta, this dish is both gluten-free and grain-free, making it perfect for those following a Whole30 or low-carb lifestyle. The vibrant, homemade tomato basil sauce is crafted from fresh, ripe tomatoes and aromatic garlic sautéed in olive oil, then simmered to perfection with fragrant basil, a touch of spice, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free finish. Brightened with a splash of zesty lemon juice, this quick and easy recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, offering a light yet satisfying meal that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this dish is packed with flavor, healthy veggies, and a comforting twist that your whole family will love!
Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Using a spiralizer, cut the zucchini into noodles resembling penne or pasta strands. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Mince the garlic and sauté it in the oil until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Dice the fresh tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Stir frequently, cooking until the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce, around 10 minutes.
Chop the fresh basil leaves roughly and add them to the tomato sauce along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Continue to simmer the sauce on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Add the zucchini noodles to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the noodles are just tender.
Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the pasta for a cheesy flavor, and drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Serve hot, and garnish with a few additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Calories |
592 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.1 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2456 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.5 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.2 g | ||
| Protein | 23.3 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 250 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 4136 mg | 88% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.