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Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta Recipe

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Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a fresh, vibrant dish made with juicy cherry tomatoes, tender zucchini, and fragrant basil. It’s a quick, vegetarian meal that’s both light and satisfying, perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini slices and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes until tomatoes soften and burst.
  5. Return zucchini to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Stir in fresh basil, then season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan if using.

Notes

  • Skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for more protein.
  • Swap in spinach, kale, or bell peppers if low on zucchini.
  • Enhance flavor with sun-dried tomato pesto or ricotta.
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/healthy-tomato-zucchini-pasta-recipe/