Description
Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta with a luscious, creamy sauce made from fresh grated zucchini, garlic, lemon zest and juice, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this vegetarian pasta offers a refreshing burst of citrus and a comforting texture that will satisfy your cravings for a light yet flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium zucchinis (grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta, then set the drained pasta aside.
- Sauté the Zucchini: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated zucchini and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and most of its moisture has evaporated.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Mix in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, stirring well to combine all flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy zucchini sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the pasta is warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Use spiralized zucchini instead of pasta to create a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to boost the protein content for a more filling meal.
