Sautéed Zucchini and Tomatoes

Name: Sautéed Zucchini And Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup onion (diced ); 3 large cloves garlic, (minced); 5 cups zucchini, (cut to 1/4 inch matchsticks (around 2-3 medium zucchini)); 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes,; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup tomatoes (diced (about 2-3 tomatoes))

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If you're after a quick and flavorful veggie side, these sautéed zucchini and tomatoes are a perfect fit. Ready in 25 minutes and great with almost any meal.

A wooden spoon stirring a pan of zucchini and tomatoes.

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Why You’ll Love This Zucchini And Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
How To Make This Zucchini With Tomatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips For Making Sauteed Zucchini With Onions
What To Serve With This Sauteed Zucchini Recipe
Other Veggie-Packed Recipes To Try
Sautéed Zucchini And Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini And Tomatoes Recipe

If you’re trying to get more veggies on the table without the extra stress, this recipe is a total win. I’ll be honest… zucchini isn’t usually my go-to veggie, but this is one of the few sauteed zucchini recipes I genuinely love. It’s light, quick, and packed with cozy, Italian-inspired flavor from garlic, tomatoes, and herbs.

It all comes together fast in one pan and tastes amazing with just about anything: grilled meats, pasta, fish... you name it. This one-pan wonder is fresh, easy, and the perfect way to use up a bunch of summer squash. Here’s why you’ll love this zucchini with tomatoes recipe:

Pairs with just about any main dish
Quick and easy with minimal prep
Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
Great for seasonal zucchini and tomatoes

An overhead image of a pan of sauteed zucchini with a cooden spoon in it.

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Zucchini- This veggie soaks up all the great flavors in the pan and keeps things light.I prefer medium size, but if you go with a large zucchini, remove the seeds completely as the larger fruits have seeds that aren't enjoyable to consume. If you’ve got another type of summer squash on hand, that’ll work just as well.
Roma tomatoes- They add a fresh, juicy pop that pulls everything together. Cherry tomatoes are a solid backup.
Onion- Builds a savory base of flavor. Yellow or white onions both work great here.
Garlic- Brings rich, aromatic depth. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, measure with your heart.
Olive oil- Helps everything cook evenly and adds subtle flavor. Avocado oil is a good alternative.
Crushed red pepper flakes- A little heat goes a long way here. If spice isn’t your thing, just leave it out.
Italian seasoning- Gives that cozy, herby flavor. If you’re out, a pinch of oregano or basil will still taste great.
Kosher salt- Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Ground black pepper- Adds subtle sharpness and contrast.

An overhead image of labeled recipe ingredients.

How To Make This Zucchini With Tomatoes

Step 1- Cook the onions and garlic.

Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.

Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Let them cook with the onions for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Onions and garlic cooking in a skillet with oil.

Step 2- Sauté the zucchini.

Toss in the zucchini, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 5- Finish with tomatoes.

Add the diced tomatoes and reduce the heat to low. Sauté everything together for another 2 minutes until warmed through, then serve right away.

Tomatoes added to the skillet of zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope! The skin adds texture and color, but if you prefer it peeled, that’s totally fine.

How do I keep zucchini from getting mushy?

For perfectly tender-crisp sauteed zucchini, add it late in the cooking process and avoid overcooking. This helps it hold its texture without turning soggy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep everything ahead, like chopping the veggies (except the tomatoes, wait until the day-of for those). But I’d wait to cook it until you’re ready to eat. It's just so much better fresh!

A plate of zucchini and tomatoes with the pan behind it.

Tips For Making Sauteed Zucchini With Onions

Give those veggies some breathing room! If the pan’s too full, they’ll steam instead of getting that nice sauté.
Add the tomatoes at the very end. They cook fast and can get mushy if they go in too early. A quick toss at the end keeps them bright and juicy.
If you want to add a little something extra, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well without overcomplicating it.
A sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta at the end takes this dish to the next level. Use whatever cheese you love or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze!
This recipe’s flexible, so no need to be exact. Taste as you go and make it your own.
Ingredients to prep ahead- Chop the zucchini, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and wash the tomatoes.
Leftovers and storage- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing isn’t ideal as zucchini gets mushy after thawing.

A close up image of chopped zucchini and tomatoes.

What To Serve With This Sauteed Zucchini Recipe

This side dish is incredibly versatile and complements almost any meal. To make it heartier, try mixing in cooked pasta, adding shredded chicken on top, or serving it over rice or quinoa. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Other Veggie-Packed Recipes To Try

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!