This Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta is the perfect light meal! With fresh tomatoes and tender zucchini mixed in with your favorite pasta, it’s a colorful dish that’s bursting with flavor.
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up! Just sauté the veggies while the pasta cooks, and dinner is ready. I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese. Yum! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I use spaghetti for this dish, but feel free to switch it up! Penne or fusilli work great too. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they can vary.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini brings a lovely texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a tasty alternative! You can also try adding bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are my go-to, especially in summer. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly. Look for ones without added salt for a more natural flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, though fresh is always best for that pungent aroma!
Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great substitute for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get My Zucchini to Cook Perfectly?
Cooking zucchini just right makes a huge difference in texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the zucchini into even pieces for consistent cooking – half-moons are great!
- Make sure your skillet is hot! It helps to brown them while keeping them tender.
- Stir occasionally, allowing some bits to caramelize for added flavor, but don’t overcook them, or they can get mushy!
- Keep an eye on them; they usually take about 5-7 minutes to get that perfect tenderness.
These steps will help you achieve deliciously cooked zucchini every time! Enjoy your pasta dish!
Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
For the Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced or sliced into half-moons
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Flavor:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll need 10 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When it’s ready, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside for now.
2. Sautéing 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 red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Just be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Cooking the Zucchini:
Now, add the diced zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and has turned a lovely golden color.
4. Adding the Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes. Let them cook for another 3-5 minutes. This will allow the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. As you cook them, season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
5. Combining the Pasta and Veggies:
With the veggies ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine well. If it seems a bit dry, pour in a little of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency!
6. Finishing Touches:
Finally, stir in the chopped basil and balsamic vinegar (if you’re using it) for extra flavor. Mix everything well to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tomato zucchini pasta immediately. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy a fresh, wholesome meal!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on how quickly those veggies cook.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little olive oil or water to prevent sticking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
What Can I Serve With This Pasta Dish?
This pasta pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or your favorite protein. For a low-carb option, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup.
