This Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a vibrant dish that combines fresh tomatoes and tender zucchini with your favorite pasta. It’s light, healthy, and oh-so-tasty!
Who needs takeout when you can whip this up in no time? I love throwing in some cheese on top before digging in—makes it even better! 🍝
This recipe is a breeze to make! Just cook the pasta, sauté the veggies, mix, and you’re ready to enjoy a delightful meal that’ll make you feel great!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rotini for its fun shape, but you can swap it for any pasta you have on hand, like penne or spaghetti. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes or even canned tomatoes can be a good substitute.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives a nice texture. If zucchini is not available, yellow squash or bell peppers would make great alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a cheesy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a similar taste, or you can skip it entirely.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it right is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Use plenty of water and don’t forget to salt it! This enhances the pasta’s flavor as it cooks.
- Follow the package instructions for timing, and taste a piece a minute before the time is up to check for doneness.
- Once al dente, drain immediately and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
This method keeps your pasta perfect for mixing with the tasty veggies! Enjoy your cooking! 🌱🍝
Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 20 minutes to make! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 10 minutes cooking everything together. Super quick and easy for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your rotini (or other pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant but not burned!
3. Add Tomatoes and Zucchini:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and the diced zucchini. Season with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and the zucchini to become tender.
4. Combine and Finish:
After the veggies are ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so it mixes well. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese:
Stir in the chopped parsley for some fresh flavor and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Give everything one last gentle mix to combine all the delicious flavors!
6. Season and Serve:
Check the seasoning and adjust with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta warm and enjoy your fresh, easy tomato zucchini pasta!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Pasta Dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this pasta vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great option to add cheesy flavor without the dairy!
What If I Have Leftover Pasta?
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or olive oil and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave so it doesn’t dry out.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just swap the rotini pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are many options available, including chickpea or rice-based pasta, which can be equally delicious!
