Pasta with Lemon Zucchini Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this bright and creamy Pasta with Lemon Zucchini Sauce, a dish that balances simplicity and gourmet flair. Perfectly al dente pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made from sautéed zucchini, zesty lemon, and rich Parmesan, creating a harmonious blend of fresh and indulgent flavors. The addition of garlic and a hint of black pepper adds depth, while a touch of heavy cream ensures a velvety texture that clings to every strand of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is an ideal choice for a quick yet elegant meal. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this vibrant pasta dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for lovers of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, it’s a must-try addition to your pasta repertoire!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or any shape of your choice)
- 2 medium zucchini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, wash and grate the zucchinis using a box grater. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the grated zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
530 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.3 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.6 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 853 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 14.7 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 252 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 329 mg | 7% | |
*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.
