Tomato, Corn, and Goat Cheese Spiralized Zucchini Pasta

Written by
Stephanie Kirkos
Stephanie Kirkos is a food writer and photographer who develops gluten-free recipes.
Learn about our editorial process
Stephanie Kirkos
Stephanie Kirkos
Published on 08/23/19 by Stephanie Kirkos
Stephanie Kirkos is a food writer and photographer who develops gluten-free recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats's Editorial Process

Updated 08/23/19

Zucchini spaghetti main dish recipe

​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
  • Total: 20 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yield: 2 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
436 Calories
12g Fat
72g Carbs
16g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 436
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 120mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 72g 26%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Protein 16g
Calcium 278mg 21%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you have been enjoying filling, cozy comfort food this winter and need a bit of a break, this light, fresh, and fast zucchini noodle "pasta" recipe will brighten your day. 

With the help of a spiralizer kitchen tool (or alternatively a julienne peeler), whole zucchini is transformed into healthy, naturally gluten-free spaghetti-sized noodles. It doesn't take long for the zucchini noodles to cook, simply toss in a skillet with a hint of olive oil until heated through. 

The zucchini noodles are paired with halved grape tomatoes and yellow corn sautéed with shallots and garlic. Crumbled goat cheese, softened by the heat of the cooked veggies, adds a tangy creaminess to the dish. 

Finish off this light and refreshing plate of "pasta" with fresh chopped basil and additional goat cheese for a healthy, filling weeknight meal. 

To bolster this dish with protein, add sautéed shrimp or strips of grilled chicken.

Ingredients

  • 2 large zucchini (ends trimmed, spiralized into spaghetti-sized noodles)
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallot (about 1/2 large shallot)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup yellow corn (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • 5 to 6 large basil leaves (coarsely chopped)
  • Optional: 2 to 3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for zucchini pasta
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. With a spiralizer kitchen tool, spiralize two large zucchini into spaghetti-size noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler instead.

    Spiralize zucchini
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.

    Garlic in saucepan
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 min.

    Garlic
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Add the corn, grape tomatoes, and basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally as you cook until heated through. When hot, turn off heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of crumbled goat cheese over top. 

    Add tomato and cheese
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. In a separate large skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini noodles and toss as you cook (using tongs makes this easier). The zucchini noodles don't take long to cook—toss for about 3 to 4 minutes.

    Zucchini head and corn
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  7. Then add in the corn, tomato, shallot, and cheese mixture. Toss to combine then remove the pan from heat. (Note: If you julienned the noodles, only cook for 2 to 3 minutes as these noodles are thinner and cook faster than spiralized noodles). 

    Corn
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  8. Divide noodle dish into two bowls, garnishing with remaining goat cheese and additional basil, if desired. Serve immediately. 

    Zucchini pasta
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Recipe Variation

  • You can add shrimp to this dish, or serve alongside grilled chicken.

Reminder: Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels to confirm the product is gluten-free. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.