This Lemon Zucchini Pasta is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a warm day. It’s made with spiralized zucchini, tossed in a zesty lemon sauce that’s full of flavor!
You won’t believe how quick this comes together—just sauté, mix, and enjoy. I love serving it with a sprinkle of parmesan on top for an extra kick. Yum! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I use linguine or spaghetti for a classic touch. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini provides a great texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well in its place. Just make sure to keep the cooking time short.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its flavor. However, if you prefer another oil, avocado or coconut oil can be good substitutes.
Cheese: Parmesan is nice for its salty flavor. Grana Padano can be a suitable alternative if you want something similar but less intense. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!
Heavy Cream: This is optional for a creamier sauce. You can skip it for a lighter dish, or use a plant-based cream substitute like coconut cream if you want to keep it dairy-free.
How Can I Ensure My Zucchini Stays Crisp When Cooking?
Sautéing zucchini can be tricky; you want it tender but still slightly crisp. Here’s how:
- Cook the zucchini for only 2-3 minutes. Watch them closely to prevent overcooking.
- Use medium heat to help them soften without getting mushy.
- If you don’t have spiralized zucchini, julienning works just fine and gives good presentation!
Trust your instincts on texture; the best zucchini will maintain a bit of bite! Enjoy your cooking! 🍝
How to Make Lemon Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
For The Sauce:
- 2 medium zucchinis, julienned or spiralized into noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a delightful lunch. In just three simple steps, you can whip up this tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to its package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining—this will help thicken your sauce!
2. Sauté the Zucchini and Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned—this is where the flavors start to come together! Next, add the julienned or spiralized zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the zucchini is tender yet still crisp.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Lower the heat in the skillet and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream (if you’re using it). Mix everything well! Now, add the cooked pasta along with the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Season it all with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if you want a bit of heat. Stir again to ensure the flavors are well combined.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and garnish your delicious lemon zucchini pasta with fresh basil or parsley. Add more Parmesan if you like, then serve warm. Enjoy your light, refreshing meal!
This dish is bright and fresh, with the lemon giving it a delightful zing that beautifully complements the tender zucchini. Perfect for any time of year!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works best, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can leave it out for a lighter dish, or substitute it with a splash of milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a similar texture without the heaviness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be fantastic additions. Just cook them separately and toss them in at the end to warm through before serving.
