Looking to jazz up your pasta routine? Dive into this scrumptious pasta and zucchini recipe, brimming with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of red pepper flakes!
Looking for more? Try my Shrimp Pasta, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, and an all time MeghanItUp fav - Pasta alla Vodka. Add my Crispy Fried Eggplant on the side!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Healthy veggies: Zucchini adds nutrition and flavor, making it a delicious addition to your meal.
- Quick preparation: This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich and creamy: Enjoy the richness of Parmesan cheese combined with butter for a satisfyingly creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in pasta and zucchini recipe card.
- Zucchini: Adds freshness and a subtle sweetness. You can also use yellow squash or eggplant for variation.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor. If you're in a pinch, garlic powder works too!
- Spaghetti (or pasta of choice): Provides a hearty base. Feel free to swap for penne or linguine for a different texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce. Olive oil can be a tasty alternative.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, savory taste. For a vegan option, try nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a kick of heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.
- Olive oil: Coats the zucchini for frying and adds a hint of Mediterranean flavor. Canola oil works well as a substitute.
- Salt and pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste. Don't be shy with seasoning, but taste as you go!
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in pasta and zucchini recipe card.
Boil Water: Fill a pot and cover it to speed up boiling.
Prep Zucchini: Slice zucchini into half moons, reserving some for grating.
Sauté Zucchini: Heat olive oil, add zucchini slices, and let them brown for 5 mins.
Add Flavor: Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then cook on low heat.
Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti with salt for about 7 mins until al dente.
Combine: Transfer spaghetti to zucchini pan, toss, and add pasta water.
Create Sauce: Mix in butter and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjust spice if needed.
Serve: Garnish with torn basil leaves, more cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Enjoy: Dive into the deliciousness while it's hot!
Variations
- Pesto Power: Swap the Parmesan sauce for a generous dollop of basil pesto to infuse your dish with vibrant herbaceous flavor.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add diced tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
- Protein Boost: Toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon for an extra protein punch that turns this side dish into a satisfying main course.
- Veggie Medley: Mix in colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach for a veggie-packed pasta that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to add a flavorful kick to your pasta and zucchini creation.
Wine Pairing
For this pasta and zucchini dish, a light and crisp Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully, complementing the fresh flavors of the zucchini and the creamy richness of the Parmesan cheese without overpowering the dish. Cheers to a delightful meal!
FAQ's
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even linguine for a different texture.
- How do I know when the zucchini is cooked just right?
- Look for a tender yet slightly crisp texture and a golden brown color on the edges. It should be easy to pierce with a fork but not mushy.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- Can I skip the red pepper flakes if I don't like spicy food?
- Absolutely! Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your taste buds or omit them entirely for a milder flavor profile.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
- Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Tips
- Keep an Eye on the Zucchini: Don't walk away while frying zucchini; they can quickly go from golden brown to overcooked!
- Save Pasta Water: Don't forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning and spice levels to your liking. It's your dish, so make it just right for you!
- Embrace Imperfection: Don't stress about perfectly uniform zucchini slices or pasta strands. A little rustic charm adds character!
- Fresh is Best: For the tastiest results, use fresh garlic and grate your Parmesan cheese from a block. It's the little things that make a big difference!
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more? Try my Shrimp Pasta, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, and an all time MeghanItUp fav - Pasta alla Vodka.
Did You Make this Recipe?
Please leave a comment and rating below, also let me know what you thought of this recipe. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @Meghanitup or share it on Pinterest so that I can follow along.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.
Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Pasta and Zucchini Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium-large zucchini
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves minced or grated
- 3 ounces spaghetti other pasta shapes work too!
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2-4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil optional, for serving
Instructions
- Boil Water: Fill a small to medium-large pot with water, cover it, and set it to boil. It's essential to start with boiling water to cook the pasta efficiently.
- Prepare Zucchini: While the water is heating, slice one medium-large zucchini into ¼-inch half moons. If you prefer, you can reserve about a third of the zucchini to grate into the sauce later.
- Cook Zucchini: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat the zucchini in oil. Let the zucchini fry in a single layer for about 5 minutes, until they start to turn golden brown.
- Add Flavors: Toss the zucchini, then add 2 minced or grated garlic cloves and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you have grated zucchini, add it at this time as well. Turn the heat to low and let everything cook, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add about 2 teaspoons of salt to the water and 3 ounces of dry spaghetti. Let it boil for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Pasta and Zucchini: When the pasta is done cooking, increase the heat under the zucchini back to medium. Use tongs to transfer the spaghetti directly from the boiling water to the pan with the zucchini. Turn off the heat under the pasta pot but keep it nearby. Begin tossing the spaghetti and zucchini to combine them.
- Create Sauce: Add ¼ cup of pasta water, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese to the pan. Keep tossing the mixture to create a creamy, emulsified sauce. You can add more cheese if desired and more pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Once the spaghetti is fully coated and there's little liquid left, turn off the heat. Serve the dish with torn basil, additional cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Enjoy: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it's hot and fresh!
Notes
- Maintain a Medium-Low Heat: When cooking the zucchini and garlic, ensure the heat is not too high to prevent burning and bitterness. Medium-low heat allows for gentle browning and flavor development.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining the spaghetti. The starchy water helps create a creamy sauce when combined with butter and Parmesan cheese, enhancing the dish's texture and flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your preference. This allows you to tailor the flavor profile to suit your taste buds.
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