Light and simple pasta with zucchini and Parmigiano. Seriously, one of our go-to pasta dishes when we are in a pinch for time. Quick, easy, and the result is an incredibly tasty dish that even non-veggie lovers might enjoy! Try it tonight!
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Light and simple pasta
We love pasta and we love it when it is light, simple, and tasty! If you are a zucchini lover, this is definitely the dish for you. Try also our penne with zucchini and mushrooms! And if you are not a zucchini lover, give it a try, we might convert you!
The ingredients are simple and just a few:
- evo oil, only the best quality for us
- peperoncino, optional, but adds a little oomph
- shallot, or onion
- garlic, minced, we used a garlic press
- basil, fresh leaves better
- zucchini, cut into thin rounds
- tortiglioni, or any other type of pasta you like, look for the pasta that has a nice texture to it
- Parmigiano, omit if you are vegetarian/vegan, but if you are not, highly recommended
- oh, and don't forget the secret ingredient when making pasta, pasta water!
Sauteeing the zucchini
While waiting for the water to come to a boil, in a large pan over medium heat, add the evo oil, the chopped shallot, minced garlic, and peperoncino (chili flakes) if using. Add the sliced zucchini rounds and cook, stirring often, until zucchini are tender. Some of the thinnest ones, will have a nice caramelization to them. This zucchini mixture, together with some pasta water and grated Parmigiano, is the "sauce" you are going to dress the pasta with.
Marry the pasta with the sauce
In Italy, we do not drain the pasta, plate it, and add the sauce on top. In fact, we always finish the pasta in the pan where we cooked the sauce.
When the pasta is al dente, scoop it with a slotted spoon and place it in the pan with the cooked zucchini. Add half a ladle of pasta water, sprinkle some Parmigiano, and fresh broken up basil leaves. Mix with a wooden spoon to blend everythig nicely. Or, you could do some serious tossing in the pan. It's what marries the pasta to the sauce.
Plating
In the end, plate your pasta. We like to drizzle a little evo oil and sprinkle more Parmigiano on top. That's it, now you're ready to savor this delicious Light and simple pasta with zucchini and Parmigiano.
Why you need to make this Light and simple pasta with zucchini and Parmigiano
It's healthy, easy to prepare, and when you first bite into it, your taste buds are delighted by the al dente texture of the pasta, married with the sweetness and softness of the zucchini and shallot. The Parmigiano and peperoncino give nice highlights to the whole.
Simply delicious!
Print
Light and simple pasta with zucchini and Parmigiano
Light and simple pasta with zucchini and Parmigiano. Seriously, one of our go-to pasta dishes when we are in a pinch for time. Quick, easy, and the result is an incredibly tasty dish that even non-veggie lovers might enjoy! Try it tonight!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini, cut into thin rounds
- 3 tablespoons evo oil
- a pinch of peperoncino, optional
- 1 small shallot, chopped
- 1 garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 fresh basil leaves
- 200 g tortiglioni
- ¼ cup Parmigiano, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and cut zucchini in thin rounds.
- Fill a large pot with water. Season with coarse salt and put on boil.
- While the water is coming to boil, drizzle oil in a sauté pan, add the minced garlic, shallot, and peperoncino.
- Turn on heat to medium. Once mixture starts to sizzle, add zucchini rounds, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until zucchini have softnened, stirring often. Turn off heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and stir. Cook for recommended time on the package.
- When al dente, scoop pasta with a slotted spoon and place in the pan with zucchini.
- Turn heat on to low, add half a ladle of pasta water and some Parmigiano, and give it a good toss.
- Add fresh broken up basil leaves. Turn off heat.
- Plate pasta and finish with a drizzle of evo oil and more grated Parmigiano.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Omit Parmigiano for a vegetarian/vegan version.
You can use any type of pasta you like. Look for pasta that has a nice rough texture to it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pasta, zucchini, garlic, peperoncino, italian, dinner, evo oil, healthy, quick, easy, light, Mediterranean
I love baking and kneading dough because it takes me to a happy place in my soul.
Natalie says
My family loves pasta, especially kids. Your pasta recipe was so simple to make and we all enjoyed it. Thanks for the idea!
★★★★★
You're welcome! We love this simple pasta dish and make it often. In the summer, you can also add zucchini flowers!
Allyssa says
Indeed simple and very easy to make! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! It turned our really tasty! Highly recommended!
★★★★★
Thank oyu! Yes, it's so easy and tasty, definitely one of our go-tos.
Leslie says
I am a zucchini lover and you're right, this pasta looks like it was made just for me!
★★★★★
Thanks! If you're a zucchini lover, yes, this pasta is fantastic!
Amy Liu Dong says
Simple dish but definitely looks so delicious. The best part is it's easy to make, perfect for people that are always on the go.
★★★★★
Busy weeknights? We've got you covered! 😉
Freya says
Such a perfect light summer and pasta dish, I love zucchini!
★★★★★
Thanks! It is perfect for when there is an abundance of zucchini! Add some zucchini flowers and it's even more delicious!
Debbie says
This simple pasta with zucchini and parmigiano is so easy and comes together quickly. This is such an easy and delicious meal to throw together.
★★★★★
Thank you so much!!
Erin says
This was SO tasty! I love how it was healthier but still filling enough. Will definitely make this pasta again!
★★★★★
Thank you! Happy you enjoyed it! We love it and make it often 😉 .
Katie Crenshaw says
Made this for dinner with a spring garden salad. I loved how it turned out. It was so easy and the zucchini was delicious with the pasta.
★★★★★
Thanks! Love the salald on the side, perfect light and tasty meal.
Moop Brown says
This pasta seems so simple and quick and easy to make as well. Definitely a dish everyone will enjoy.
★★★★★
Thanks! Yes, it's easy, quick, and definitely tasty.
Chenée says
Such an easy and delicious recipe, and perfect for all that spring time zucchini! Thank you for this recipe!
★★★★★
You're welcome! Enjoy!