Simple Zucchini Pasta by Mark Bittman
Elevate your pasta nights with Mark Bittman's Simple Zucchini Pasta—a quick, wholesome recipe that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This dish brings together tender zucchini strips, sautéed garlic, and al dente spaghetti, tossed in a light olive oil-based sauce and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a fresh twist on classic Italian flavors while incorporating vibrant, nutrient-packed zucchini. Customize it with a dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, and don’t forget to reserve some pasta water for that irresistibly silky sauce. Bursting with simplicity and flavor, this easy zucchini pasta will quickly become your go-to for satisfying, healthy comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- to taste red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Using a mandoline or knife, cut the zucchini into thin strips, resembling spaghetti noodles. Alternatively, use a spiralizer if available.
Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn't burn.
Add the zucchini strips and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender but still have a bite.
Season the zucchini with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the zucchini. Toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a light sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it slightly melts and coats the pasta.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
247 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.5 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 573 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.7 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 8.7 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 132 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 293 mg | 6% | |
*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.
