Zucchini and Penne Toss

Bright, fresh, and perfect for busy weeknights, this Zucchini and Penne Toss is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed with sautéed zucchini, garlic, and a medley of fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, this recipe is elevated with a hint of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a touch of lemon zest, and chopped parsley add a vibrant finish that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal as a light vegetarian entrée or a quick side dish, this recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean-inspired comfort food. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, this one-pan meal ensures minimal cleanup and maximum flavor—your next weeknight go-to!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz dried penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and lightly golden.

Step 4

Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5

Add the cooked penne to the skillet along with the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the zucchini mixture.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Toss once more to combine.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1034.9 grams (1034.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1739

Total Fat 47.30g	61%
Saturated Fat 13.70g	69%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 3110mg	135%
Total Carbohydrate 267.50g	97%
Dietary Fiber 19.00g	68%
Total Sugars 28.30g
Protein 67.30g	135%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 696mg	54%
Iron 9mg	48%
Potassium 2471mg	53%

*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: 24.1%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 60.6%