Description
Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a light vegetarian pasta with sautéed zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan. It has a fresh, bright flavor with a light cheesy coating and comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
2 cups cherry tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Sauté the zucchini in olive oil over medium heat until lightly browned around the edges, then remove from the pan.
3. In the same skillet, cook the cherry tomatoes with the garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper until the tomatoes soften.
4. Stir in the reserved pasta water and simmer briefly until slightly reduced.
5. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan, then toss until evenly coated.
6. Fold in the zucchini and fresh basil.
7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
Cook the pasta only to al dente for the best texture.
Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives better flavor than pre-grated cheese.
Fresh garlic, basil, and Parmesan give the best overall taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
Bell peppers, mushrooms, or artichokes can be added for extra vegetables.
Fresh parsley can replace basil if preferred.
Omit or substitute the Parmesan with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
Reduce or omit chili flakes for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Summer Veggies Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 359
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 239 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 11 mg