Spicy Sausage and Peppers Over Zucchini Noodles
Ground pork sausage sauce spiked with fennel seed, jalapeño heat, and fresh basil simmers with peppers and tomatoes, then served over spiralized zucchini. This low-carb, gluten-free version suits keto and paleo diets while delivering robust Italian-inspired flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality taste without excess carbs. The fennel-forward spice profile sets it apart from standard marinara bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cup zucchini, spiralized or julienned
- 3 cup tomato sauce
- 1 whole yellow onion, diced
- 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
- 1 whole jalapeno, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fennel seed
- 1 Tbsp basil, fresh
- 1 Tbsp sage
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil, organic
Instructions
- 1
Heat large skillet over medium heat. Cook ground pork until no longer pink, breaking into small pieces.
- 2
Remove pork with slotted spoon and set aside.
- 3
Add coconut oil to pan. Dice onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño, then add to skillet.
- 4
Cook vegetables until softened.
- 5
Return pork to pan. Season with salt and black pepper.
- 6
Pour in tomato sauce. Add fennel seed, basil, sage, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- 7
Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
- 8
Prepare zucchini noodles. Serve sauce over noodles.
- 9
Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
Prepare zucchini noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming watery. If prepping ahead, drain on paper towels before plating.
For deeper flavor, lightly toast the fennel seed in the dry pan before adding oil to bloom the oils.
Make extra sauce to freeze for quick future meals; reheat gently and add fresh zucchini noodles.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days. Zucchini noodles best served fresh; store sauce and noodles separately if meal prepping.
Prepare sauce fully. Cool and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop. Spiralize zucchini no more than 4 hours before serving.
Spoon warm sauce over fresh zucchini noodles. Garnish with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan if desired. Pair with a crisp white wine or light red.
Common Mistakes
Do not overcook pork in the initial browning step to avoid dry, tough texture.
Do not add zucchini noodles to the hot sauce; serve separately to prevent mushiness.
Do not skip the simmer; 10-15 minutes allows spices to fully infuse and flavors to meld.
Do not use pre-ground dried basil at the start; add fresh at the end or mid-cook for better aroma.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
Yes. Cool the sauce completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently on stovetop. Prepare fresh zucchini noodles when ready to serve.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
Use 1 teaspoon dried basil instead, stirring it in with the other spices. Fresh basil adds brightness, so consider adding a pinch at the end of cooking if using dried for better aromatic presence.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
The sauce keeps up to 4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Zucchini noodles are best served fresh; if storing together, drain noodles well and eat within 1-2 days for best texture.