10+ Sauces for Zucchini Noodles (Easy + Healthy)

Zoodles can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, but they are especially delicious when paired with a flavorful sauce. Here’s 10+ tasty sauces for zucchini noodles to try out!

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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 Sauce Recipes for Zucchini Noodles

Overhead shot of dish of zucchini noodles with fresh herbs on a black plate.
Fresh Herb Sauce
This Half and Half Linguini uses half "real" 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.
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Hand holding jar of homemade marinara sauce.
Italian Tomato Sauce
This 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.
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Hands holding bowl of pasta topped with slow cooker bolognese.
Bolognese Sauce
This 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.
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Creamy tarragon sauce in white bowl with wooden spoon.
Creamy Tarragon Sauce:
Tarragon 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!
Tarragon Cream Sauce
Sauce with spoon in skillet.
Diavolo Sauce
This 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.
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Spoonful of creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Sauce
This 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.
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Side view of red wine pasta sauce pasta.
Red Wine Sauce
Add 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!
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Overhead close up of bowl of pesto genovese with spoon.
Pesto Sauce
This 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.
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Overhead shot of prepared tzatziki sauce in bowl surrounded by pita bread.
Tzatziki Sauce
This 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.
Tzatziki Sauce
Close up of creamy sun dried tomato sauce on serving spoon.
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
Browned Butter Sauce
This 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.
Get the RECIPE from Heather Likes Food
Avocado Sauce or Avocado Crema
This 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.
Get the RECIPE from Simply Quinoa
Alfredo Sauce
This 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.
Get the RECIPE from Kitchen Treaty
Thai Peanut Sauce
This flavorful sauce is made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and ginger. It is a great option for those who are looking for an Asian-inspired sauce.
Get the RECIPE from Kirbie Cravings

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

More Pasta Sauce Recipes

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.

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Collage of sauces for zucchini noodles.

10+ Sauces for Zucchini Noodles

Zoodles are especially delicious when they're paired with a flavorful sauce. Here's 10+ 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
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people

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)

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.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Large Saucepan

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 9mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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