Description
Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a delightful and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of summer.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Choose a shape like rotini, fusilli, or penne that will nicely capture the other ingredients.
- Zucchini: Two medium-sized zucchinis, sliced into rounds, provide the perfect vegetal contrast to the pasta.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry or grape tomatoes add a burst of juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic, savory notes.
- Olive Oil: A few tablespoons of high-quality olive oil serve as the base for the flavorful dressing.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil leaves lend a lovely herbaceous touch to the final dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat and complexity.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Grated Parmesan makes a delicious finishing touch.
Instructions
1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Then, add the sliced zucchini and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the zucchini is slightly tender.
4. Toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Serve the Tomato Zucchini Pasta warm, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
To prevent the zucchini from becoming waterlogged, be sure to sauté it over medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
You can experiment with different pasta shapes, substitute cherry tomatoes for diced Roma or heirloom varieties, and even add in other fresh veggies like bell peppers or onions.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tomato, Zucchini, Pasta
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 300
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 400
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 30
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: undefined
- Cholesterol: 2