Zucchini with Pasta
Light, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious, this Zucchini with Pasta recipe is a refreshing twist on classic spaghetti dishes. Featuring tender strands of al dente spaghetti tossed with sautéed zucchini ribbons in a garlic-infused olive oil, this quick and easy meal is perfect for weeknights. Accented with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, zesty lemon, and the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese, every bite is packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Fresh basil adds a fragrant finish, while a touch of reserved pasta water creates the perfect velvety sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes and made with wholesome ingredients, this zucchini pasta dish is a must-try for anyone seeking a simple yet sophisticated vegetarian recipe to delight their taste buds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti
- 2 medium-sized zucchini
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 10 leaves fresh basil
- 1 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, wash the zucchini and slice them into thin rounds or ribbons using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the zucchini slices to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and turns lightly golden.
Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the zucchini. Toss to combine, adding 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water at a time to create a light sauce. Use as much pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and torn fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1218 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.5 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 6419 mg | 279% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.2 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.2 g | ||
| Protein | 38.5 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 576 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1096 mg | 23% | |
*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.
