Description
Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a vibrant and nutritious dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This delightful vegetarian recipe features fresh zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, resulting in a colorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. The combination of fresh ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also delivers a hearty dose of essential nutrients. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or whip up a quick dinner, this Tomato Zucchini Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
- 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into rounds)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the zucchini for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and tender. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Return the zucchini to the skillet with the tomatoes and add cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Stir in chopped basil and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with grated cheese if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. A splash of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors just before serving.