Description
This vibrant and flavorful Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It features tender zucchini, blistered cherry tomatoes, and your favorite pasta, all tossed in a light and delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces (220g) pasta (fusilli or any shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 cup vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Zucchini: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and cook until golden brown on the edges, stirring occasionally. Remove the zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes, black pepper, fennel seeds, garlic powder, Cayenne pepper (if using), and vegetable stock. Cover and cook until the tomatoes are blistered, stirring regularly.
- Combine and Finish: Push the tomatoes to the side of the skillet. Add the cooked zucchini, cooked pasta, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well to combine, reheating for a couple of minutes. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of vegetable stock to loosen it up. Add the optional red chili flakes
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Water: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. You can add a little of this starchy water to the sauce if it’s too thick.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is vegetarian. For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cayenne pepper and chili flakes to your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: This pasta dish is delicious on its own or with a side salad.