Description
This Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a quick and nutritious dish that combines fresh zucchini and cherry tomatoes with your favorite pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easily customizable and packed with flavor, making it a light yet satisfying meal. Enjoy it topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra touch!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add your pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside without rinsing.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to burst.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss until it melts and combines. For a vegan option, add nutritional yeast at this stage.
- Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Serve the pasta in bowls or on plates, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top if desired.
- Finish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if you like.
- Dig in and savor your delicious Tomato Zucchini Pasta!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier the next day.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Feel free to swap in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes