Name: Tomato Zucchini Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 medium zucchini, sliced in half-moons; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon EACH garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, black pepper; 1/2 cup grated parmesan; ¼ cup fresh chopped basil

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium zucchini, sliced in half-moons
2 cups cherry tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon EACH garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, black pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan
¼ cup fresh chopped basil

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Instructions

Cook your pasta: Start by boiling salted water (like the sea, as they say!) and cook your pasta to al dente perfection. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining—trust me, this little step is a game-changer for the sauce.
Sauté the zucchini: In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini and sauté until they’re golden on the edges. Don’t rush this step—those crispy, caramelized bits are where the magic happens. Once done, transfer the zucchini to a plate and set them aside.
Cook the tomatoes and garlic: In the same skillet, toss in the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and your seasoning mix (garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper). The tomatoes will soften and burst after a few minutes, creating a lightly chunky sauce. Add the reserved pasta water here to loosen things up and give the sauce some body.
Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is coated in that garlicky, cheesy, tomato-y goodness. Gently fold in the sautéed zucchini and sprinkle in the fresh basil. Give it one last stir and taste for seasoning—you might want a pinch more salt or chili flakes.
Serve and enjoy: Plate the pasta, and for the ultimate finishing touch, garnish with extra parmesan and basil. Serve immediately, preferably with a glass of wine in hand.

Notes

Serving and presentation tips

This pasta is best served in shallow bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a generous dusting of parmesan. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top adds a nice touch of richness. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side. If you’re hosting, serve family-style on a large platter—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Author: Lily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: dinner