Cream Pasta Sauce with Zucchini
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of this Cream Pasta Sauce with Zucchini, a perfect blend of velvety flavors and fresh simplicity. This luscious recipe combines sautéed zucchini with a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, elevated by the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining. Tossed with your favorite pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a satisfying meal bursting with texture and flavor. Whether you're seeking a quick dinner option or delicious vegetarian comfort food, this zucchini pasta delivers every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 units garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium zucchini, diced into small pieces
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 12 ounces cooked pasta of choice
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt completely.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it gently simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Gently toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring every strand or piece is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2353 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 179.7 g | 230% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.8 g | 504% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 482 mg | 161% | |
| Sodium | 3520 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.2 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 46.6 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 750 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 615 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
