Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Herbs
Creamy zucchini pasta with herbs is a light yet comforting dish perfect for spring and summer. Fresh zucchini, garlic, and herbs are simmered in a creamy sauce and tossed with pasta to create a simple, flavorful meal. It’s easy, vegetarian, and great for quick weeknight dinners or lunch leftovers.
Ingredients List
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 medium zucchinis, grated or finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup vegetable broth
– ½ cup heavy cream or plant-based alternative
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
– 250g pasta of choice (penne, linguine, etc.)
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
Add zucchini, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
Pour in vegetable broth and cream. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan and herbs. Toss in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed.
Serve warm with extra herbs or lemon zest on top.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Serves 4
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 350
Carbs: 42g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
Not ideal for freezing due to cream and zucchini texture.
Pairings/Suggestions
Goes well with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Great side dish for grilled fish or chicken.
Perfect for vegetarian meal prep.
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for spring and summer when zucchini is fresh and abundant.
Great for quick dinners, picnics, or light gatherings.
Conclusion
This creamy zucchini pasta is a quick and satisfying vegetarian dish packed with flavor. It’s ideal for warm weather meals and weeknight dinners, offering a balance of freshness, creaminess, and herbs in every bite.
Creamy Zucchini Pasta with Herbs
4
servings10
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kcalThis creamy zucchini pasta blends sautéed zucchini, garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream for a comforting, fresh, and easy meal.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 medium zucchinis, grated or finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup vegetable broth
– ½ cup heavy cream or plant-based alternative
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
– 250g pasta of choice (penne, linguine, etc.)
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Directions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
- Add zucchini, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Pour in vegetable broth and cream. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and herbs. Toss in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve warm with extra herbs or lemon zest on top.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Fresh zucchini and herbs create a light, flavorful sauce.
Cream adds richness, balanced with lemon and garlic.
Great for vegetarian dinners or summer meal prep.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream or cashew cream and skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Q2: Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make great additions.
Q3: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short shapes like penne or fusilli work well, but spaghetti or linguine also complement the sauce beautifully.
