Description
Pasta With Caramelized Zucchini is a luxurious yet comforting dish that pairs tender pasta with sweet, golden caramelized zucchini. This light but indulgent meal is quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and easily adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Featuring fresh zucchini, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a refreshing lemon zest finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Dry pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne) – 8 oz (about 225 g)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- Fresh zucchini – 2 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) – 1/4 cup, chopped
- Lemon zest or juice – zest of 1 lemon or 1 tbsp juice
Fats & Seasonings
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Optional
- Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup grated, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Slice and caramelize the zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchini. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini slices in a single layer without overcrowding and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to develop golden caramelized edges.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Once zucchini is caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with lemon zest or add lemon juice for brightness.
- Combine pasta and zucchini: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the caramelized zucchini. Gradually add reserved pasta water little by little to achieve a smooth, coating sauce that combines the flavors well.
- Finish with herbs and cheese: Remove from heat and fold in the freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately, topping with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing zucchini; caramelize in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Use high-quality olive oil to enhance flavor and mouthfeel.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and pasta, creating silky texture.
- Cut zucchini slices evenly for consistent cooking and caramelization.
- Add fresh herbs only at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
- Cook zucchini over medium-high heat to get golden edges without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: pasta, caramelized zucchini, Italian, vegetarian, vegan option, easy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal, fresh herbs, lemon zest