Pasta with Zucchini Ricotta Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this creamy and flavorful Pasta with Zucchini Ricotta Sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines al dente pasta with a luscious sauce made from sautéed zucchini, creamy ricotta, and a touch of parmesan for a rich, velvety finish. A burst of freshness from lemon zest and basil brightens every bite, while reserved pasta water ensures the perfect sauce consistency. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a vegetarian delight that's both wholesome and indulgent. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete feast. Perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, wash the zucchini and trim off the ends. Using a box grater, grate the zucchini into coarse shreds.
Step 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 4
Add the grated zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and most of its water has evaporated.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
Step 6
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring constantly to loosen and smooth out the sauce.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the zucchini ricotta sauce.
Step 8
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Step 9
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil.
Step 10
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1166.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1380.0 |
| Total Fat 64.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 25.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g | |
| Cholesterol 170.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6683.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 154.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 10.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 31.6g | |
| Protein 60.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1350.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 5.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1308.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories