Description

A Fresh, Light, and Flavorful 30-Minute Pasta Dish!

Looking for a meal that’s quick, delicious, and packed with fresh ingredients? This Tomato Zucchini Pasta is your answer! With vibrant zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil, this dish brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta is light yet satisfying, making it an excellent vegetarian main course or a delicious side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. Serve it warm for a comforting meal, or enjoy it chilled as a refreshing pasta salad. However you choose to prepare it, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

⭐ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
⭐ Fresh & Wholesome – Packed with seasonal veggies, olive oil, and basil for a naturally delicious taste.
⭐ Versatile & Customizable – Add your favorite proteins, cheeses, or extra veggies to make it your own.
⭐ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well in the fridge and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
⭐ Family-Friendly – A great way to get kids to eat more vegetables in a delicious pasta dish!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Method

1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook sliced zucchini for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.

4. Return zucchini to the skillet and add drained pasta. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed for a silky texture.

5. Stir in chopped basil and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to distribute flavors.

6. Serve pasta in a dish and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy warm.

Tips and Conclusion

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

🍝 Change Up the Pasta – Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for a different texture and nutritional boost.
🥦 Add More Veggies – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra goodness.
🧀 Try Different Cheeses – Swap Parmesan for feta, goat cheese, or Pecorino Romano for a unique twist.
🌿 Play with Herbs – Use oregano, thyme, or parsley if you don’t have fresh basil.
🍗 Boost the Protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it heartier.
🔥 Add a Spicy Kick – Sprinkle in chili flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-heat balance.

🍷 Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the light, fresh flavors beautifully.
🥖 Bread on the Side: Serve with warm garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every bit of sauce.
🥗 Add a Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing makes a refreshing side.

Let’s be real—life gets busy, and sometimes we need a go-to meal that’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying. That’s where Tomato Zucchini Pasta shines. It’s the kind of dish that feels light yet comforting, bursting with fresh flavors that make every bite irresistible.

The combination of juicy tomatoes, tender zucchini, garlic, and fresh basil creates a naturally flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. And the best part? It’s all done in 30 minutes, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this pasta is sure to impress. So grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and enjoy every forkful of this simple yet stunning dish!