Description
Pasta with Caramelized Zucchini is a comforting, simple dish that transforms humble zucchini into a golden, flavorful star. Tossed with pasta, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or short pasta like rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh basil or mint, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced zucchini and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized—about 20–25 minutes. Don’t rush this step!
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking the zucchini.
- Once pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the caramelized zucchini.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, tossing everything together until a light sauce forms.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, topped with more cheese and fresh basil or mint if desired.
Notes
- Use smaller zucchini for more tender texture and better caramelization.
- Stir occasionally but let the zucchini sit for a few minutes at a time to develop color.
- Add a dollop of ricotta or burrata on top for extra richness.
- For a vegan version, skip butter and use a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg