Fresh Zucchini Pasta Sauce

Transform your pasta night with this Fresh Zucchini Pasta Sauce, a light and vibrant recipe that shines with garden-fresh flavors. Made with tender zucchini, sautéed garlic, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this sauce brings a medley of wholesome ingredients together in just 35 minutes. A touch of fresh basil and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese elevate its creamy texture and aromatic appeal, while a pinch of optional red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a healthy, vegetarian-friendly meal idea, this sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta and is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your routine. Impressively easy, deliciously satisfying, and packed with seasonal ingredients—this recipe is pure comfort food with a fresh twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 medium-sized zucchini
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the zucchini and use a grater to shred them into thin strips or coarsely grate them, depending on your preference for texture.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 3

Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Halve the cherry tomatoes, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down.

Step 5

Add the shredded zucchini to the skillet, along with the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zucchini is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 6

Chop the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce in the last minute of cooking.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if necessary.

Step 9

Serve the zucchini sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	924.2 grams (924.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	840

Total Fat 58.50g	75%
Saturated Fat 15.90g	80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.40g
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 7110mg	309%
Total Carbohydrate 58.00g	21%
Dietary Fiber 8.20g	29%
Total Sugars 46.70g
Protein 24.90g	50%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 593mg	46%
Iron 4mg	19%
Potassium 1882mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.4%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 27.0%