This Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a bright, fresh dish perfect for any day. It’s made with tasty tomatoes, soft zucchini, and your favorite pasta, all cooked together for a lovely meal.
What I love most is how simple it is! You just slice, sauté, and toss everything together. It makes the perfect dinner when I want something quick but yummy.🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rotini for this dish, as its twists hold the sauce well. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works great too. Gluten-free pasta is also an option if needed.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice crunch and green color. If you want a different flavor, try yellow squash or even finely chopped bell peppers. Both are excellent substitutes.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems bring sweetness. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, regular tomatoes chopped into small pieces will do. You can use canned diced tomatoes in a pinch; just drain them well.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic is super simple, but it can burn quickly, which makes it bitter. Here’s how to get it right:
- Always use medium heat when cooking garlic. High heat can lead to burning.
- Add minced garlic after the oil is hot, and keep stirring. Cooking for just 30 seconds to 1 minute is usually enough until it’s fragrant.
- If you notice the garlic starting to brown too quickly, lower the heat immediately.
These tips will help you achieve that lovely garlic flavor without any bitterness! Happy cooking!
Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and 15 minutes to cook everything together. It’s a quick, healthy meal perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Zucchini:
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the zucchini to be slightly softened but still have a bit of crunch. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a lovely sauce.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved cooking water to help create a light sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Finish It Off:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for that fresh touch. Mix well so that the cheese melts slightly and coats everything deliciously!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Enjoy your scrumptious meal!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for harder vegetables like carrots or peppers to ensure everything is tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to moisten the pasta.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Definitely! Chicken, shrimp, or even canned chickpeas can be great additions. Cook the protein separately and toss it in during the last step with the pasta to heat through.
