Pasta with Lemon Zucchini Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this bright and creamy Pasta with Lemon Zucchini Sauce, a dish that balances simplicity and gourmet flair. Perfectly al dente pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made from sautéed zucchini, zesty lemon, and rich Parmesan, creating a harmonious blend of fresh and indulgent flavors. The addition of garlic and a hint of black pepper adds depth, while a touch of heavy cream ensures a velvety texture that clings to every strand of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is an ideal choice for a quick yet elegant meal. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this vibrant pasta dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for lovers of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, it’s a must-try addition to your pasta repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or any shape of your choice)
• 2 medium zucchini
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, wash and grate the zucchinis using a box grater. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Add the grated zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1160.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2216.2

Total Fat 150.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.3g
Cholesterol 320mg	0%
Sodium 7535.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g	0%
Total Sugars 31.5g
Protein 58.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1030.1mg	0%
Iron 6.3mg	0%
Potassium 1147.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.5%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 26.8%