Whole30 Pasta Shells with Tomato Sauce

Transform your weekday dinners with this wholesome and satisfying Whole30 Pasta Shells with Tomato Sauce recipe, a delicious low-carb twist on a classic comfort food. Made with zucchini spirals or thinly peeled ribbons as pasta shells, this dish is packed with fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients that align perfectly with Whole30 guidelines. The star of the recipe is a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, simmered with garlic, onion, and a blend of dried herbs for a fragrant, homemade touch. The addition of fresh basil at the end adds a burst of brightness, perfectly complementing the tender zucchini. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, this gluten-free, dairy-free delight is an effortless yet impressive meal that's ideal for healthy weeknight dining. Serve it warm, topped with extra basil for a vibrant finish! Keywords: Whole30 pasta, zucchini pasta, tomato sauce, low-carb dinner, dairy-free recipe, gluten-free pasta alternative.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the zucchini pasta shells: Trim the ends of the zucchinis, and use a spiralizer to create pasta-like shells. If you do not have a spiralizer, use a peeler to make thin strips.

Step 2

Place the zucchini shells in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently pat the zucchini shells dry with a kitchen towel.

Step 3

While the zucchini rests, prepare the tomato sauce: Finely chop the garlic and the onion.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, along with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and let cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 7

While the sauce is simmering, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the prepared zucchini shells and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they have softened to your desired texture.

Step 8

Once the sauce is done, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Step 9

To serve, plate a portion of sautéed zucchini pasta shells and top with a generous amount of the tomato sauce. Optionally garnish with additional fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1742.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	806.6

Total Fat 32.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 9635.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 123.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.4g	0%
Total Sugars 92.7g
Protein 20.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 398.6mg	0%
Iron 10.6mg	0%
Potassium 4638.2mg	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: 33.5%

Protein: 9.6%

Carbs: 56.9%