Simple Zucchini Pasta by Mark Bittman

Elevate your pasta nights with Mark Bittman's Simple Zucchini Pasta—a quick, wholesome recipe that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This dish brings together tender zucchini strips, sautéed garlic, and al dente spaghetti, tossed in a light olive oil-based sauce and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a fresh twist on classic Italian flavors while incorporating vibrant, nutrient-packed zucchini. Customize it with a dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, and don’t forget to reserve some pasta water for that irresistibly silky sauce. Bursting with simplicity and flavor, this easy zucchini pasta will quickly become your go-to for satisfying, healthy comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 0 to taste red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. Using a mandoline or knife, cut the zucchini into thin strips, resembling spaghetti noodles. Alternatively, use a spiralizer if available.

Step 2

Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

Step 4

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn't burn.

Step 6

Add the zucchini strips and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender but still have a bite.

Step 7

Season the zucchini with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 8

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the zucchini. Toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a light sauce.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it slightly melts and coats the pasta.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(729.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1093.9

Total Fat 59.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.3g
Cholesterol 44.5mg	0%
Sodium 6415.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 29.4g
Protein 34.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 556.0mg	0%
Iron 6.1mg	0%
Potassium 1028.1mg	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: 48.9%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 38.7%