Description
Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a fresh, easy dinner ready in under 30 minutes with tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan. It works as a vegetarian main dish or a simple side, and you can customize it with chicken, shrimp, beef, turkey, sausage, or extra vegetables.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
2 cups cherry tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, 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 chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water before draining.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the zucchini until lightly browned around the edges, then transfer it to a plate.
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. Mix the cooked pasta into the tomato mixture, then stir in the Parmesan until combined.
6. Fold in the cooked zucchini and fresh basil.
7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
Cook the pasta just to al dente so it keeps its texture.
Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides better flavor.
Use fresh garlic, basil, and Parmesan for the best results.
Cook the zucchini only until lightly browned to prevent it from becoming mushy.
For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Red pepper flakes can be omitted for a milder flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth if needed to restore moisture.
Nutrition values are estimates only.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- 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