Pasta with Zucchini Ricotta Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this creamy and flavorful Pasta with Zucchini Ricotta Sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines al dente pasta with a luscious sauce made from sautéed zucchini, creamy ricotta, and a touch of parmesan for a rich, velvety finish. A burst of freshness from lemon zest and basil brightens every bite, while reserved pasta water ensures the perfect sauce consistency. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a vegetarian delight that's both wholesome and indulgent. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete feast. Perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, wash the zucchini and trim off the ends. Using a box grater, grate the zucchini into coarse shreds.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the grated zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and most of its water has evaporated.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring constantly to loosen and smooth out the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the zucchini ricotta sauce.
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
343 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.5 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 37 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 645 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.4 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 15.2 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 209 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 374 mg | 8% | |
*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.
