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Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Parmesan

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A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring tender zucchini and pasta coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended; whole wheat or gluten-free works too)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta cooking water
  • 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 ounces (170g) of your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Toss in the zucchini slices and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with zucchini. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more pasta water.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 3/4 cup (75g) of freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce coating the pasta and zucchini. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  6. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not overcook zucchini to keep a slight bite and avoid mushiness. Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and meltability. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce without cream. Season gradually as Parmesan is salty. Start sautéing zucchini when pasta has about 5 minutes left to finish cooking simultaneously. If sauce is too thick or dry, add more pasta water. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based spread and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini pasta, creamy pasta, Parmesan pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, healthy dinner

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/creamy-zucchini-pasta-with-parmesan-recipe-easy-15-minute-dinner/