Zucchini and Feta with Penne

Brighten up your weeknight dinner routine with this Zucchini and Feta with Penne recipe—a Mediterranean-inspired dish that's light, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes! Tender penne pasta is tossed with golden sautéed zucchini, creamy crumbles of feta cheese, and a vibrant hint of lemon for a meal that's as refreshing as it is satisfying. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil elevate this easy pasta dish, while a drizzle of olive oil adds a glossy finishing touch. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a meatless meal option, this recipe balances nutritious veggies with indulgent flavors. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or pair it with a crisp side salad to complete your feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 medium-sized zucchini
• 150 grams feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, wash and trim the zucchini. Cut them into thin slices or half-moons.

Step 3

Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 5

Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and begins to brown slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and gently crumble the feta cheese into the skillet, stirring just enough to let it soften slightly.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Chop the parsley and basil finely, then add them to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 10

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that feta is naturally salty.

Step 11

Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta for extra richness and shine.

Step 12

Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1038.9 grams (1038.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2366

Total Fat 82.80g	106%
Saturated Fat 26.80g	134%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.20g
Cholesterol 134mg	45%
Sodium 6625mg	288%
Total Carbohydrate 333.40g	121%
Dietary Fiber 18.80g	67%
Total Sugars 28.10g
Protein 76.30g	153%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 839mg	65%
Iron 18mg	98%
Potassium 1899mg	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: 31.3%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 55.9%