This post shows you how to make spaghetti with zucchini and tomatoes.
Looking for a super yummy vegetable pasta dish? This Spaghetti with Zucchini & Tomatoes is the perfect balance of fresh, vibrant flavors and comforting pasta goodness!
Sweet cherry tomatoes, tender zucchini, and fragrant garlic come together in a simple, yet delicious sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. This easy, one-pan recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you serve it as a meatless main or pair it with your favorite protein, this pasta is sure to be a hit! 🍝🥒🍅
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What can you cook with zucchini?
Zucchini is a super versatile vegetable and there are so many delicious options to whip up in no time at all. Whether you are looking for a pasta dish or an alternative to using pasta, or you are looking for a tasty side dish using this vibrant veggie. Here are some of our favorites:
- Zucchini Fritters – an amazing zucchini side dish
- Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp – zoodles, what could be better?
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats – a super easy zucchini dinner recipe!
- Zucchini Lasagna – using zucchini instead of pasta – perfect as a gluten free recipe.
- Creamy Zucchini Pasta – indulgent but super quick to make!
- Zucchini Parmesan – tomato-ey flavorsome goodness.
- Grilled Zucchini and Chicken Wrap – a new ingredient for your wrap?
- Zucchini and Black Bean Tacos – fun twist on a Mexican classic!
- Zucchini Stir-Fry with Tofu – try a new dish!
- Zucchini and Mushroom Risotto
- Zucchini Crust Pizza – a different take on pizza
- Lemon Garlic Zucchini & Salmon Foil Packs – mess-free!
- Zucchini and Chicken Casserole
- Zucchini and Chickpea Curry
Follow these recipes, and you’ll have a delicious zucchini dinners in no time! 😊
Aesther Cooking Pairs this recipe with
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Optional Add-Ins:
½ tsp lemon zest for brightness
½ cup baby spinach or arugula for added greens
¼ cup toasted pine nuts for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
Stir in cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
combine everything
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables.
Gradually add reserved pasta water, stirring, until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Tips and Tricks
✔ Use fresh, ripe tomatoes – They bring the best natural sweetness to the dish.
✔ Don’t overcook the zucchini – It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
✔ Reserve pasta water – It helps create a light, silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
✔ Want more flavor? – Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
✔ Make it dairy-free – Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.
🌿 Make It Your Own – Try:
- Protein-Packed 🍗
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Stir in white beans or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
- Extra Creamy 🍶
- Stir in ½ cup of ricotta, goat cheese, or burrata for a creamy texture.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Mediterranean Style 🌿
- Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Stir in capers and anchovies for an extra savory, umami-rich flavor.
How to Serve
This Spaghetti with Zucchini & Tomatoes is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with:
✔ Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – Add extra protein for a hearty dish.
✔ Crusty Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up every bit of sauce!
✔ Side Salad – Serve with a simple arugula or Caprese salad for a refreshing contrast.
Spaghetti with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced into half-moons
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- ½ cup pasta water reserved
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ tsp lemon zest for brightness
- ½ cup baby spinach or arugula for added greens
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts for crunch
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Combine Everything
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, stirring, until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the pasta and veggies, then store them separately. When ready to eat, reheat everything in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Try whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for a different twist. Short pasta like penne or fusilli also works great!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fats: 10g
This Spaghetti with Zucchini & Tomatoes is the perfect fresh and flavorful pasta dish for any occasion. It’s quick, and easy zucchini dinner. Try it for dinner tonight and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite! 🍝🥒🍅✨
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Looking for more zucchini recipe ideas? visit Zucchini Recipes
This post shows you how to make spaghetti with zucchini and tomatoes.
