Minty Zucchini Linguine

Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and refreshing Minty Zucchini Linguine, a perfect blend of light, summery flavors. This 30-minute recipe combines tender al dente linguine with delicate zucchini ribbons, sautéed in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil. The dish comes alive with bursts of fresh mint, zesty lemon, and a hint of black pepper, creating a bright and herbaceous sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Optional toppings like grated Parmesan and red chili flakes add layers of cheesy richness and gentle heat. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this easy zucchini pasta recipe is as healthy as it is delicious. Serve it immediately for a dish that's fresh, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Linguine
• 2 medium Zucchini
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 small Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 0.25 tsp Red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, use a vegetable peeler or julienne peeler to create long zucchini ribbons. Stop peeling when you reach the seedy core, which can be discarded or saved for another use.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the zucchini ribbons to the skillet and gently toss them with the garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as you want the ribbons to maintain some texture.

Step 5

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh mint leaves, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the zucchini mixture. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Toss everything together to combine.

Step 7

Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnishing each plate with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red chili flakes for a touch of heat, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	890.3 grams (890.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1208

Total Fat 61.60g	79%
Saturated Fat 16.80g	84%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.30g
Cholesterol 53mg	18%
Sodium 5759mg	250%
Total Carbohydrate 125.00g	45%
Dietary Fiber 18.20g	65%
Total Sugars 35.50g
Protein 45.50g	91%

Vitamin D 13IU	64%
Calcium 1193mg	92%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 1877mg	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: 44.8%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 40.4%