Description

Lemon Zucchini Pasta brings together fresh zucchini, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a satisfying and healthy meal. This dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or a healthy lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 pound pasta (spaghetti), uncooked
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium zucchini, shredded
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pecorino cheese (or parmesan cheese), grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes or according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the garlic, zucchini, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. Sauté until the zucchini is tender, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water (adding more gradually if needed), cheese, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. For a smoother texture, transfer to a blender and puree for about 30 seconds.
Add the cooked pasta and basil to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
Garnish with extra pecorino cheese and fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like yellow squash.
Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less paprika.
For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 15mg