Spring Summer Ziti
Bright, fresh, and bursting with seasonal flavor, Spring Summer Ziti is the ultimate pasta dish to celebrate the warmer months. This vibrant recipe combines al dente ziti pasta with tender asparagus, zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes, creating a colorful medley of textures and tastes. Infused with the zesty freshness of lemon juice and zest, and finished with creamy grated Parmesan and aromatic basil, this dish strikes the perfect balance between light and satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-skillet wonder is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or a breezy al fresco meal. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bold finishing touch, and enjoy the essence of spring and summer in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the asparagus and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1272 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.8 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2376 mg | 103% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 266.0 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.1 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.9 g | ||
| Protein | 46.3 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 163 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 15.5 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 684 mg | 15% | |
*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.
