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15+ Sauces for Zucchini Noodles (Easy + Healthy)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

July 18, 2025

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5 from 1 vote

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Zoodles can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, but they are especially delicious when paired with a flavorful sauce. Here’s our favorite tasty sauces for zucchini noodles to try out!

Collage of sauces for zucchini noodles with text overlay.

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Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan alternative to traditional pasta. They are made by spiralizing zucchini into long, thin strands that resemble pasta noodles.

Here are some tips for making the best zucchini noodles:

  • Use a spiralizer to create long, thin strands of zucchini. I love this KitchenAid attachment for making zoodles!
  • Salt the zucchini noodles and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  • Rinse the zucchini noodles under cold water and pat them dry.
  • Cook the zucchini noodles by sauteeing them in a large skillet.
  • Serve the zucchini noodles with your favorite sauce below.
  • If you’re not strictly low carb, you can combine the zucchini noodles with regular spaghetti. You finished dish will be lower in carbs, and filled with more fiber and vitamins, than if you were eating plain pasta alone.

PS – Be sure to check out these 35+ Zoodle Recipes too!

Favorite Sauces for Zucchini Noodles

Overhead shot of dish of zucchini noodles with fresh herbs on a black plate.
Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Herbs & Fried Capers
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis Half and Half Linguini uses half u0026quot;realu0026quot; noodles and half zucchini noodles for a tasty treat with less calories. Plenty of fresh herbs – mint, dill, and parsley – brighten things up along with the briny capers which are fried until crisp.u003c/pu003e
Fresh Herb Sauce
Hand holding jar of homemade marinara sauce.
Marinara Dipping Sauce
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis classic sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. It is a bit more time-consuming to make than the browned butter sauce, but it is well worth the effort.u003c/pu003e
Italian Tomato Sauce
Hands holding bowl of pasta topped with slow cooker bolognese.
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis hearty sauce is made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It is a classic Italian sauce that is perfect for a winter meal.u003c/pu003e
Bolognese Sauce
Creamy tarragon sauce in white bowl with wooden spoon.
Tarragon Cream Sauce
u003cpu003eTarragon Cream Sauce is a warm and luxurious condiment for chicken, fish, beef, and more. Quick and easy to make with only 8 ingredients, it instantly makes your everyday dinners feel gourmet!u003c/pu003e
Creamy Tarragon Sauce
Side view of parmesan cream sauce in serving bowl.
Parmesan Cream Sauce
This 15-minute Parmesan Cream Sauce is the ultimate condiment for cheese lovers. Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream are swirled together in a skillet to give you a silky smooth and decadent sauce for pasta, chicken, and more.
Parmesan Cream Sauce
Sauce with spoon in skillet.
Fra Diavolo Sauce
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis spicy sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It is a great option for those who love a bit of heat in their food.u003c/pu003e
Diavolo Sauce
Spoonful of creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Sauce
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis creamy sauce is made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It is a rich and decadent sauce that is perfect for a special occasion.u003c/pu003e
Creamy Garlic Sauce
Side view of red wine pasta sauce pasta.
Red Wine Pasta Sauce
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eAdd a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinners with this quick and easy Red Wine Pasta Sauce. With deep layers of flavor and simple ingredients, it’s one of the best ways to use leftover red wine and is versatile enough for spaghetti, lasagna, stuffed shells, and more!u003c/pu003e
Red Wine Sauce
Overhead close up of bowl of pesto genovese with spoon.
Pesto Genovese (Authentic Italian Basil Pesto)
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis flavorful sauce is made with arugula, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It is a great option for those who are looking for a light and refreshing sauce.u003c/pu003e
Pesto Sauce
Overhead shot of prepared tzatziki sauce in bowl surrounded by pita bread.
Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis creamy sauce is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice. It is a great option for those who are looking for a refreshing and light sauce.u003c/pu003e
Tzatziki Sauce
Close up of creamy sun dried tomato sauce on serving spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Make this 15-minute Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce to instantly transform your pasta, chicken, or seafood into a gourmet meal! It’s luxurious and easy to make with cream, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
Brown Butter Zucchini Noodles with Crispy Garlic
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis simple sauce is made with just a few ingredients: butter, olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. It is quick and easy to make, and it has a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with zoodles.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eGet the RECIPE from Heather Likes Foodu003c/pu003e
Browned Butter Sauce
Creamy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis creamy sauce is made with avocados, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. It is a great option for those who are looking for a vegan or dairy-free sauce.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eGet the RECIPE from Simply Quinoau003c/pu003e
Avocado Sauce
Zucchini Fettuccine with Creamy White Bean “Alfredo” Sauce
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThis rich and creamy sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. It is a classic pasta sauce that is also delicious with zoodles.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eGet the RECIPE from Kitchen Treatyu003c/pu003e
Alfredo Sauce
Pesto cream sauce in small white bowl topped with sprig of basil.
Pesto Cream Sauce
Rich and herbaceous Pesto Cream Sauce in just 10 minutes! Make it with homemade or store-bought pesto for a quick and easy Italian-inspired dinner.
Pesto Cream Sauce
Side view of carrot top pesto on counter next to basil leaves and carrot tops.
Carrot Top Pesto
This vibrant Carrot Top Pesto is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic pesto sauce – made with leafy carrot tops, fresh basil, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and toasted pine nuts. It’s zesty, herbaceous, and comes together in a matter of minutes! Toss it with al dente pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or spoon it over roasted veggies, grilled meat, and so much more!
Carrot Top Pesto

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these zoodle sauce recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

Side Dishes for Zoodles

  • Arugula Salad
  • Radicchio Salad with Olives & Parmesan
  • Kale Caesar Salad
  • Fennel and Chickpea Salad
  • Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard & Parmesan
  • More → 40+ easy pasta side dishes

More Pasta Sauce Recipes

  • Sauces for Ravioli
  • Sauces for Mushroom Ravioli
  • Sauces for Butternut Squash Ravioli
  • Sauces for Tortellini
  • Sauces for Egg Noodles
  • Sauces for Gnocchi
  • Sauces for Linguine

Did you Make Any of These Zucchini Noodle Sauces?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sauces for zucchini noodles. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

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Full Recipe

15+ Sauces for Zucchini Noodles

Zoodles are especially delicious when they're paired with a flavorful sauce. Here's our favorite tasty sauces for zucchini noodles to try out! Try this easy 30 Minute Marinara Sauce. It offers rich and sweet flavors that can be enjoyed on plenty of dishes. Using basic ingredients & only 1 pot.
5 from 1 vote
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Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 25 minutes mins
Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 28-ounce can San Marzano whole tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 large fresh basil sprig
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional, to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (plus additional, to taste)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving (optional):

  • Cooked Pasta
  • Grated Parmesan
  • Chopped Basil

Instructions

  • In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes (with their juices), basil sprig, oregano, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and continue to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, and using a sturdy spoon to crush the tomatoes as they cook.
  • Remove and discard the basil sprig. Season with additional salt and sugar, to taste. (If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can also purée it with an immersion blender, blender or food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.)

Notes

This sauce keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 5 days. Freeze it for up to 3 months.
Note: Amount of sugar needed will depend on the sweetness of your tomatoes, so be sure to season to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 9mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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Hi, I’m Erin!

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