This Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a fresh and light dish that’s perfect for any day! With just pasta, juicy tomatoes, and tender zucchini, it’s quick to whip up.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! I love how colorful it is on my plate, and it makes my kitchen smell amazing while cooking. 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I recommend rotini for its fun shape that holds sauce well. But if you don’t have it, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works just fine!
Cherry Tomatoes: These bring sweetness and juiciness to the dish. If out of season, replace with canned diced tomatoes for a similar effect, just drain them first.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice texture. If you’re not a fan, yellow squash or bell peppers can also be used as a substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. However, garlic powder is an alternative; just use about 1/4 tsp to avoid overpowering the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a savory touch! Use pecorino or skip it for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute for a cheesy flavor!
How Do You Cook the Perfect Zucchini Without Getting It Mushy?
Zucchini can go soft quickly, but here’s how to keep it tender and slightly crisp:
- Cut zucchini into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally; aim for about 5-7 minutes.
- As it cooks, listen for a gentle sizzle, indicating it’s cooking properly without becoming mushy.
- Remove it from the heat while it still has a slight crunch, and it will keep cooking a bit off the stove.
Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your choice of short pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy pasta dish will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. Just boil the pasta, sauté the veggies, and mix it all together. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Heat the Oil and Sauté Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, put a large skillet on medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil warms up, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until you can smell the wonderful garlic aroma!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Next, toss the halved cherry tomatoes and diced zucchini into the skillet. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and the zucchini is tender yet still bright green. Yum!
4. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the veggies. If you’re feeling adventurous and like a bit of heat, add in some red pepper flakes. Stir everything together.
5. Combine Pasta and Veggies:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is heated through and evenly coated with the veggie mixture.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. For an extra cheesy touch, you can now sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve your delicious pasta warm, and enjoy!
This dish is colorful, fresh, and a delightful way to enjoy pasta with veggies. Bon appétit!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can swap rotini for any short pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just follow the cooking time on the package for best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything cooks evenly and stays vibrant!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use olive oil instead of butter if you decide to add any.
