Summer Zucchini and Tomato Pasta
A fresh and colorful pasta dish combining tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a light garlic and olive oil sauce, finished with Parmesan for the perfect summer meal.
- Author: Djihane
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half moons
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they soften slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature as a pasta salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: zucchini pasta, tomato basil pasta, summer pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta