Tomato Zucchini Pasta (Printable Version)

Light pasta with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic in olive oil. Ready in 30 minutes.

# What You 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 (optional, or vegan Parmesan)
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

→ Seasonings

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

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - While the pasta cooks, 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 (if using). 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, if using. Serve in bowls, topped with remaining Parmesan and extra basil.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The zucchini gets buttery soft while holding its shape, creating texture in every bite
  • Ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
02 -
  • That reserved pasta water is liquid gold, it makes the sauce cling to every strand of pasta
  • Do not rush the garlic step, burnt garlic turns bitter and ruins the whole dish
03 -
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave the zucchini into ribbons instead of slices for a more elegant presentation
  • Let the pasta rest in the skillet for 2 minutes off heat before serving to let the sauce fully coat every piece

Go Back