Oodles of Zoodles

Sometimes food is just, well, fun. Now, most of you know by now, that I’m not a big gadget girl, but I have to admit that I’m a little obsessed with my Vegetti Pro Spiralizer. This goofy looking contraption the best $15.00 I’ve spent on kitchenware this year. And, although I’m pretty sure that “spiralize” is not a real word, these cool, veggie noodles are everywhere. Including, I might add, at Whole Foods and the Co-op for a ridiculous $6.00 a quart. Take it from me, you can make them quickly, at home for pennies per serving.

As usual, I’m bringing up the rear on this culinary trend – but hey, someone has to be last, right? I love zucchini noodles in this fantastic Zoodles with Chicken Sausage Sauce dish. Light, crunchy and oh,so healthy, this recipe is a winner all around. I’ve also used them with Shrimp Curry and marinara w/meatballs to rave reviews. I think you’ll be surprised how satisfying and delicious they are. They make good addition to both your busy weeknight and low key weekend table.

Speaking of the weekend – I wish a lovely Mother’s Day to all the caring, smart, funny and inspirational women in my life who have showed me, every day, what good mothering is all about. These women include my mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, may they rest in peace, as well as my aunts, sisters, sisters-in-law and an incredible group of “sisters” I’m blessed to call friends.

Have a wonderful Sunday, ladies.

Zoodles with Chicken Sausage Sauce

This fresh, healthy "pasta" dish is full of flavor. It's beautiful enough to serve to guests and quick enough for a weeknight meal. Everyone in your house will love you for it. If you can't find ground chicken, substitute ground turkey and turkey sausage

Servings people

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Ingredients

The Zoodles

3 medium zucchini

The Chicken Sausage Sauce

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 pound ground chicken or ground turkey
1 pound italian chicken sausage or chicken sausage of choice
1 medium Onion chopped
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons tomato paste optional
1 pinch kosher salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Make the Zoodles

Grab your handy, dandy vegetable spiralizer (I love my Vegetti Pro from Amazon) and set it on the counter
Cut the ends off the zucchini and cut them in half. No need to peel them
Load up the spiralizer and zoodle away! If you don't have a spiralizer, use peeler and/or use regular pasta for this recipe
Set the zoodles aside until you are ready to use them. Aren't they pretty?

Make the Chicken Sausage Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until the onions are translucent - about 5 minutes
Add the Italian seasoning to the pan and sauté for a minute or two longer
Grab the chicken and chicken sausage. I like to use both in the recipe. It keeps the sauce light and lower in fat, and it tastes fabulous
Add the chicken and sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it is no longer pink - about 10 minutes
Add the tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. I like either crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes (or both) in this dish as it gives the sauce a nice texture
Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes. I often make this sauce a day ahead. It gets nothing but better overnight in the refrigerator
Taste the sauce and add salt, pepper and more seasonings as needed

Bring it all Together

Add a cup or so of the Zoodles to a bowl. You may have to cut them a bit if the strands are super long
Add hot sauce to the Zoodles and let it sit for about 5 minutes. I really like my Zoodles al dente, if you like them softer, cook them in the sauce for 5-6 minutes
Add a couple of tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese and enjoy. Easy, quick, light and incredibly delicious - this one's a winner all around!

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Italian