Tomato Zucchini Pasta (Printer-friendly)

Light Italian pasta with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, chopped

→ Pasta

05 - 12 oz spaghetti or penne

→ Sauces & Oil

06 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 tsp salt, plus additional for pasta water
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
03 - Add zucchini to the skillet and sauté 4-5 minutes, until starting to soften.
04 - Stir in tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 5-7 minutes until tomatoes break down and zucchini is tender.
05 - Add drained pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water as needed for saucy consistency. Toss well.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in basil and half the Parmesan. Serve in bowls topped with remaining Parmesan and extra basil.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The vegetables release their own juices creating a silky sauce without any heavy cream
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
  • Reserving that pasta water is non-negotiable as the starches help bind the vegetables into a cohesive sauce
  • Do not rush the vegetable step as the browning and breaking down of tomatoes is what builds the flavor
  • Add the pasta water a little at a time since you can always add more but you cannot take it back
03 -
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave extra Parmesan on top for an elegant finish that melts slightly on contact
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten all the flavors

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