Zucchini with Pasta

Light, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious, this Zucchini with Pasta recipe is a refreshing twist on classic spaghetti dishes. Featuring tender strands of al dente spaghetti tossed with sautéed zucchini ribbons in a garlic-infused olive oil, this quick and easy meal is perfect for weeknights. Accented with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, zesty lemon, and the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese, every bite is packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Fresh basil adds a fragrant finish, while a touch of reserved pasta water creates the perfect velvety sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes and made with wholesome ingredients, this zucchini pasta dish is a must-try for anyone seeking a simple yet sophisticated vegetarian recipe to delight their taste buds.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams spaghetti
• 2 medium-sized zucchini
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 10 leaves fresh basil
• 1 cup pasta water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, wash the zucchini and slice them into thin rounds or ribbons using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the zucchini slices to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and turns lightly golden.

Step 5

Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the zucchini. Toss to combine, adding 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water at a time to create a light sauce. Use as much pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and torn fresh basil leaves.

Step 8

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1044.1 grams (1044.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1218

Total Fat 60.50g	78%
Saturated Fat 16.40g	82%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.30g
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 6419mg	279%
Total Carbohydrate 130.20g	47%
Dietary Fiber 9.90g	35%
Total Sugars 30.20g
Protein 38.50g	77%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 576mg	44%
Iron 7mg	40%
Potassium 1096mg	23%

*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: 44.7%

Protein: 12.6%

Carbs: 42.7%