Paleo Penne Pasta with Marinara Sauce

Indulge in a guilt-free twist on a classic with this Paleo Penne Pasta with Marinara Sauce, a wholesome and flavorful meal perfect for clean eating enthusiasts. This recipe swaps traditional pasta for zucchini, spiralized into penne-like shapes, offering a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that’s packed with nutrients. The rich, homemade marinara sauce is simmered to perfection with vibrant crushed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a medley of aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, delivering an irresistible depth of flavor. Ready in just 50 minutes, this dish is both quick and satisfying, making it an excellent weeknight dinner option. Whether you're following a paleo diet or simply looking for a healthy pasta substitute, this recipe promises a comforting, nutritious plate of pasta—without the grains!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the zucchini penne pasta. Using a spiralizer or julienne peeler, create penne-like shapes from the zucchini by cutting them into short, thick slices once spiralized. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.

Step 6

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir to mix the spices evenly.

Step 7

Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.

Step 8

While the sauce is cooking, bring another pot of water to a simmer and blanch the prepared zucchini for about 2-3 minutes to slightly soften them. Drain and set aside.

Step 9

Once the marinara sauce is cooked, remove it from the heat and add the fresh basil leaves, stirring them into the sauce.

Step 10

Add the blanched zucchini pasta to the skillet with the marinara sauce.

Step 11

Gently toss the zucchini penne in the sauce until well coated.

Step 12

Serve the Paleo Penne Pasta with Marinara Sauce immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1777.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	783.0

Total Fat 32.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 9854.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 115.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.8g	0%
Total Sugars 84.8g
Protein 17.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 330.9mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 3706.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.5%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 55.9%