Description
Lemon Zucchini Pasta is a light and refreshing dish that combines tender zucchini, garlic, butter, and fresh lemon juice for a perfectly balanced flavor. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients
8 oz. pasta, cooked in salted water
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 zucchini, diced small
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (use ¼ tsp for less heat)
Black pepper, to taste
¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
⅓ cup pine nuts (optional), toasted
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. If using pine nuts, toast them in a small skillet over medium-low heat until light golden, then remove from heat.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter, zucchini, and salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is soft.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan and toasted pine nuts, if desired.
- Serve immediately!
Notes
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Different Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or any other type you prefer.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a lovely, herby note.
- Cheese: Try swapping the parmesan for pecorino or goat cheese for variety.
- Nuts: Substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with extra butter or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
