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–+ servings
Creamy Zucchini Pasta

Creamy Zucchini Pasta: Your New Favorite Summer Dish

This Creamy Zucchini Pasta is a quick and customizable vegetarian dish that captures the essence of summer with fresh ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti or Bucatini
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 cups Zucchini Grated, can substitute with yellow squash.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil No substitutes recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons Shallots Can replace with yellow onion.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Use kosher or Himalayan salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder dish.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground recommended.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino or Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice can be a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Zest
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil and/or Mint Can experiment with parsley or cilantro.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • pot
  • Grater
  • Kitchen Towel

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Zucchini Pasta
  1. Grate the zucchini using a coarse grater, then wring out excess moisture with a kitchen towel.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, grated zucchini, sea salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Sauté for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Add grated garlic to the mixture and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  5. Combine drained pasta with the zucchini mixture in the skillet. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water, cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Adjust seasoning and garnish with herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Wring out grated zucchini thoroughly to maintain creamy texture. Cook pasta to al dente to prevent mushiness. Taste sauce before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.

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