Zucchini Garlic Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and flavorful Zucchini Garlic Pasta—an easy, 25-minute dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of sautéed zucchini paired with the bold aroma of garlic and a hint of lemony brightness. Tossed with tender spaghetti or linguine, this recipe features a creamy parmesan-infused sauce that comes together with a splash of reserved pasta water for an effortlessly silky finish. Amp up the zest with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Perfect as a light yet satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing vegetarian main course, this dish combines simple ingredients into a comforting and elegant culinary delight.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g spaghetti or linguine
• 2 medium zucchini
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 whole lemon
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup pasta water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the zucchini by trimming off the ends and slicing it into thin ribbons or rounds using a mandoline slicer or knife.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Stir in the zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.

Step 5

Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld together.

Step 6

Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Juice half of the lemon and add the juice to the skillet. Toss to combine.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the zucchini mixture. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed.

Step 8

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and toss until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.

Step 9

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and the reserved lemon zest.

Step 10

Serve immediately, with extra parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1195.7 grams (1195.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1360

Total Fat 59.40g	76%
Saturated Fat 15.50g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.40g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 6784mg	295%
Total Carbohydrate 165.20g	60%
Dietary Fiber 13.10g	47%
Total Sugars 31.30g
Protein 45.10g	90%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 591mg	45%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 1274mg	27%

*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: 38.9%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 48.0%