Zucchini and Lemon Linguine

Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, this Zucchini and Lemon Linguine is the perfect weeknight pasta dish that feels like a taste of summer in every bite. Featuring tender linguine tossed with lightly sautéed julienned zucchini, aromatic garlic, and a zesty lemon sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between light and satisfying. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty richness, while fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes give it a vibrant, herbaceous kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy nights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Linguine
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium Zucchini, julienned or spiralized
• 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Add the julienned or spiralized zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 4

Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then season the mixture with the salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the lemon and zucchini mixture. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 6

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 7

Sprinkle the chopped basil over the pasta and gently toss to combine.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	984.1 grams (984.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1347

Total Fat 70.60g	91%
Saturated Fat 23.50g	118%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 80mg	27%
Sodium 2582mg	112%
Total Carbohydrate 127.20g	46%
Dietary Fiber 13.30g	48%
Total Sugars 11.70g
Protein 58.90g	118%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1059mg	81%
Iron 9mg	51%
Potassium 1416mg	30%

*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: 46.1%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 36.9%