Spring Summer Ziti

Bright, fresh, and bursting with seasonal flavor, Spring Summer Ziti is the ultimate pasta dish to celebrate the warmer months. This vibrant recipe combines al dente ziti pasta with tender asparagus, zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes, creating a colorful medley of textures and tastes. Infused with the zesty freshness of lemon juice and zest, and finished with creamy grated Parmesan and aromatic basil, this dish strikes the perfect balance between light and satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-skillet wonder is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or a breezy al fresco meal. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bold finishing touch, and enjoy the essence of spring and summer in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Add the asparagus and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 4

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5

Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(634.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1271.5

Total Fat 6.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2375.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 266.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.1g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 46.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 163.4mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 683.9mg	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: 4.7%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 81.2%