Tomato Zucchini Pasta (Printable version)
Light pasta with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Ready in 30 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 tsp salt, plus additional for pasta water
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - While 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. 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. Serve in bowls, topped with remaining Parmesan and extra basil.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The tomatoes break down into a naturally creamy sauce without any cream at all
- It uses those vegetables that sit on your counter waiting for inspiration
- Ready in thirty minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking
02 -
- The pasta water is not optional, it is the secret ingredient that makes your sauce cling to every strand
- Cherry tomatoes will burst on their own, but give them a gentle press with your spoon if they are being stubborn
- Do not rush the zucchini step, getting them slightly golden adds depth to the final dish
03 -
- Cut your vegetables while the water boils, and everything will come together in perfect timing
- Use a microplane to grate your Parmesan finely so it melts into the sauce instead of sitting on top