Sara's Cheesy Zucchini Pasta Dinner

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of "Sara's Cheesy Zucchini Pasta Dinner," an irresistible fusion of hearty pasta, fresh zucchini, and luxurious cheese. This 40-minute meal combines tender al dente fettuccine or spaghetti with a rich sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella, creating the ultimate cheesy delight. Sautéed zucchini adds a fresh, slightly crisp touch, while garlic and basil infuse the dish with aromatic depth. Perfectly seasoned with black pepper and optional red pepper flakes, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's both elegant and easy to make. Serve this decadent pasta straight from the skillet for a comforting dinner that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Ideal for weeknights or a cozy dinner party, this dish is a showstopper stuffed with comforting Italian-inspired flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized zucchini
• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti recommended)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
• 4 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 quarts of water with 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot.

Step 2

While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the zucchini by washing and slicing it into thin half-moon shapes.

Step 3

Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions for al dente texture, usually 8-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 5

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 7

Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, allowing it to gently heat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9

Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into the cream and forms a smooth, cheesy sauce.

Step 10

Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 11

Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if desired). Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 12

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing until the noodles are fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 13

Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss again.

Step 14

Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.

Step 15

Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, cheesy zucchini pasta dinner!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5290.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3581.8

Total Fat 236.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 131.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 613.7mg	0%
Sodium 18238.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 155.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 29.7g
Protein 184.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 4838.9mg	0%
Iron 6.5mg	0%
Potassium 1506.5mg	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: 61.0%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 17.8%