Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal. It features tender pasta tossed with a savory, chunky zucchini sauce enriched with garlic, fresh herbs, and a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting pasta brings a fresh, summery twist to your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta, any cut works
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash, shredded or chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- Chili flakes, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino or Manchego cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1 1/4 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Zucchini and Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded or chopped zucchini, garlic, thyme, chili flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is golden and tender.
- Create Chunky Sauce: Add the salted butter to the skillet. Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, gently mash the zucchini mixture to develop a chunky sauce texture.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. This helps blend the flavors and create a silky sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan and Pecorino (or Manchego) cheese. Toss everything together until the cheeses melt and coat the pasta. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your liking.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove the skillet from the heat and toss in the chopped fresh basil. Mix well to distribute the herb throughout the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the zucchini Parmesan pasta and optionally garnish with additional fresh basil and freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you like; short cuts such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work particularly well.
- Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the cheeses you use are free of animal rennet.
- Using freshly grated cheese will yield the best flavor and melt quality.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
