Tomato Zucchini Pasta
This Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a simple, wholesome dish made with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Light yet satisfying, it is perfect for a quick vegetarian meal and comes together in just 30 minutes.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta rotini, fusilli, or penne
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced into rounds
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to use later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Zucchini:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender. Once done, remove the zucchini from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Tomatoes and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Return the sautéed zucchini to the skillet with the cooked tomatoes. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined. If the pasta appears dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency.
Season and Garnish:
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until evenly mixed.
Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta variety. Be sure to check labels for cross-contamination if you have dietary restrictions.