Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 35 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Sep. 13, 2023
This popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ZUCCHINI NOODLES:
  • 2 large zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, cook beef with onion and garlic over medium-high heat until no longer pink; crumble beef; 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, wine, tomato paste, honey, vinegar and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until flavors are blended, about 25 minutes; stir occasionally.
  2. For noodles, trim ends of zucchini. Using a spiralizer, shave zucchini into thin strands. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook until slightly softened, 1-2 minutes, tossing constantly with tongs (do not overcook). Sprinkle with salt. Serve with sauce. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

Can you freeze Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles?

Freeze cooled sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Editor's Note: If a spiralizer is not available, zucchini may also be cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Saute as directed, increasing time as necessary.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup sauce with 1 cup zucchini noodles: 287 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.