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Creamy Zucchini Sauce Recipe

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This creamy zucchini sauce is a must-try—so go grab some zucchini and get cooking! 

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces your favorite dry pasta
  • 2 1/2 pounds zucchini
  • 3/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup sweet onion diced, such as Vidalia
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped and divided
  • 4 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped and divided
  • 4 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped and divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Romano cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water—it’s liquid gold for thinning the sauce later.

2. Prep the zucchini

Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. This helps prevent a watery sauce. Then, shred them using a box grater or a food processor. Set aside.

3. Sauté the aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about three minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

4. Cook down the zucchini

Add the shredded zucchini to the pan along with salt, pepper, half of the basil, oregano, and mint. Stir everything together, then cover and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini should break down into a soft, almost jam-like consistency.

5. Add the cream and cheese

Remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Add the remaining herbs and let everything heat through for a couple of minutes. Then, sprinkle in the Romano cheese and stir until melted. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6. Combine and serve

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, making sure each strand is coated. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for a more rustic presentation. Garnish with extra cheese and fresh basil, and enjoy!

Notes

How to serve and what to pair it with

This sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, but it’s also fantastic spooned over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for crusty bread. Serve it with a side salad for a balanced meal.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s creaminess. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a lemon-infused sparkling water is refreshing and light.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: dinner

Find it online: https://savoryrecipe.com/creamy-zucchini-sauce-recipe/