Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, this Zucchini and Lemon Linguine is the perfect weeknight pasta dish that feels like a taste of summer in every bite. Featuring tender linguine tossed with lightly sautéed julienned zucchini, aromatic garlic, and a zesty lemon sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between light and satisfying. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty richness, while fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes give it a vibrant, herbaceous kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy nights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the julienned or spiralized zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then season the mixture with the salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the lemon and zucchini mixture. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle the chopped basil over the pasta and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Calories |
1347 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.6 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.5 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 2582 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 127.2 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.3 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.7 g | ||
| Protein | 58.9 g | 118% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1059 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1416 mg | 30% | |
*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.