Looking for a delicious and easy pasta recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Tomato Zucchini Pasta! With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and aromatic garlic creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- Quick prep time: This recipe comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch of this pasta and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Pasta:
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- Olive oil
- Zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Reserved pasta water (if needed)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Toss cooked pasta into the skillet and mix well.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Helpful Tips:
- To enhance the flavors, use fresh and ripe cherry tomatoes.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for added depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Tomato Zucchini Pasta with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal. It also pairs well with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. - Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs can be substituted for fresh, but use them sparingly as they are more potent. - Can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added to make this dish more filling.
Conclusion:
Try this Tomato Zucchini Pasta recipe today and experience a burst of flavors in every forkful. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious dish with your loved ones!
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Tomato Zucchini Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the freshness of zucchinis and cherry tomatoes with the savory goodness of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. It’s a perfect meal for a quick and delicious dinner!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Combine Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with vegetables. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve hot with additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spice levels according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg