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Creamy Zucchini Pasta

Creamy zucchini pasta with linguine noodles coated in a pale green zucchini parmesan sauce, topped with parmesan cheese and sautéed zucchini.
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This creamy zucchini pasta recipe uses fresh zucchini, garlic, shallot, parmesan, lemon, and basil to create a silky pasta sauce without heavy cream. It’s an easy summer dinner and a delicious way to use up zucchini during peak season.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini
  • 2 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 shallot, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, plus more for serving
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 to 1½ cups reserved pasta water, as needed
  • Extra parmesan, for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened.
  • Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds.
  • Add zucchini, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the zucchini is very soft.
  • Transfer the zucchini mixture to a blender. Add parmesan, lemon juice, basil, and ½ cup reserved pasta water.
  • Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more pasta water as needed.
  • Pour sauce back into the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss until coated.
  • Add additional pasta water as needed until the sauce is silky and clings to the noodles.
  • Serve with extra parmesan, basil, and black pepper.

Notes

  • Cook the zucchini until very soft for the smoothest sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add more pasta water a little at a time.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Find it online: https://reachwellth.com/creamy-zucchini-pasta-recipe/