Tomato Zucchini Pasta (Printable Version)
Light pasta with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic in olive oil. Ready in 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced)
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, chopped
→ Pasta
05 - 12 oz spaghetti or penne
→ Sauces & Oil
06 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or vegan Parmesan)
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
03 - Add zucchini to the skillet and sauté 4-5 minutes, until starting to soften.
04 - Stir in tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 5-7 minutes, until tomatoes break down and zucchini is tender.
05 - Add drained pasta to the skillet, along with reserved pasta water as needed for saucy consistency. Toss well.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in basil and half the Parmesan, if using.
07 - Serve in bowls, topped with remaining Parmesan and extra basil.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in about 30 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
- The vegetables release their own juices, creating a light sauce without any heavy cream or butter
- Its one of those rare dishes that somehow tastes even better as leftovers the next day
02 -
- That reserved pasta water is pure liquid gold, it's what transforms this from pasta with vegetables on top into a cohesive, saucy dish
- Overcooking the zucchini is the mistake I made the first time, so keep an eye on it and remove it from heat while it still has a little bite
03 -
- Don't crowd the pan when cooking the vegetables, or they'll steam instead of sauté, which completely changes the flavor
- If your tomatoes aren't very ripe, add a pinch of sugar to help them break down and develop that sweet-savory balance