This Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a bright and tasty dish! With fresh tomatoes and crunchy zucchini, it’s light yet filling. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
I love how this pasta comes together in a snap. Just sauté the veggies, toss them with your favorite pasta, and you’re ready to eat! Trust me, it’ll become a go-to meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is my pick for its ability to hold onto sauce. However, any short pasta like penne or farfalle works just as well!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds crunch! If you need a substitute, yellow squash or bell peppers can bring similar freshness to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes elevate the flavor. In a pinch, use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic kick. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can substitute; use about 1/8 tsp as a starting point.
Parmesan Cheese: I love the salty flavor of fresh Parmesan! If you want to keep it dairy-free, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Can I Get the Zucchini Just Right?
Cooking zucchini can be tricky; you want it tender but still crisp. Follow these steps for perfect zucchini:
- Slice zucchini into even rounds for consistent cooking.
- Start sautéing in a medium-hot skillet. This keeps them from stewing in their moisture.
- Cook until just tender – usually around 4-5 minutes. You want them to retain a slight crunch for great texture!
Enjoy your wonderfully fresh pasta dish!
Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish will take around 20 minutes in total. About 10 minutes to prep and approximately another 10 minutes to cook. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
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. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is boiling, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if you’d like some heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant but be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Cook the Zucchini:
Next, add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is slightly softened but still has a nice crisp texture. This step gives your dish a wonderful crunch!
4. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften and release their juices. This will create a lovely sauce for your pasta.
5. Combine Pasta and Season:
Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to combine and coat the pasta well with the flavors. Give it a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your liking!
6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. This adds a burst of flavor and makes it look delightful!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out your warm pasta, and enjoy your fresh, colorful meal! It’s perfect for any pasta lover and makes for a quick, delightful dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this recipe, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type!
How Can I Adjust the Recipe for More Vegetables?
If you’d like to add more veggies, feel free! Bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms can be delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the zucchini for added flavor and nutrition!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauté the veggies in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them together in a skillet until warmed through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of olive oil or a little water if it seems dry!
