Description
Savory tomato zucchini pasta brings Italian countryside flavors to your kitchen with minimal ingredients. Fresh herbs and seasonal produce create a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
- Vegetable Medley: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté zucchini until golden and slightly crisp, then add cherry tomatoes, garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs. Simmer until tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.
- Combining Elements: Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure every strand is generously coated with the vegetable mixture. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, using reserved pasta water to create a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Serving Finale: Plate the pasta immediately, crowning the dish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and delicate basil leaves, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed culinary masterpiece.
Notes
- Prevent Watery Zucchini: Pat zucchini dry with paper towels before sautéing to remove excess moisture and ensure crisp, golden edges.
- Control Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water strategically to adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky, perfectly coated dish without overwhelming wetness.
- Balance Herb Intensity: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and prevent wilting or bitterness.
- Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to personalize spiciness, ranging from mild warmth to bold kick depending on individual preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg