This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta. Two of summer’s star produce, zucchini and yellow summer squash are caramelized and mashed to create a creamy, buttery pasta sauce without using any cream. This pasta takes just minutes to make and uses the simplest of summertime ingredients, most of which you may have in your pantry right now! If you’re looking for a new pasta dinner, this is it. Bonus? This pasta is full of veggies, making it healthy…ish.

overhead photo of Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta with basil and glass of wine

Hey, hi and welcome to another addition of super simple Thursday here on HBH. I am loving getting creative with these easy recipes, making them delicious, pretty, and fun!

This fresh zucchini pasta… It. Is. GOOD! I mean, it’s so simple, yet, so delicious and also very different. Why? Because I made the pasta sauce out of zucchini. No cream, no eggs, just a lots of zucchini, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. OK. And maybe a little butter too, because I mean, pasta needs butter, if you ask me.

overhead photo of sautéed zucchini in pan

Before I dive into the details, let me tell you where my inspiration for this recipe came from, Meghan Markle. Yes, Meghan Markle, as in the new Duchess of Sussex. If I’m being honest, I really did not follow any of the royal wedding, but it was hard not to miss some of the headlines as they were everywhere. A few things did catch my eye.

One, her dress/dresses were all stunning. I loved them. What did you guys think?

Two, I also loved her simple makeup look, proving to girls everywhere, that you don’t need to cover up your face. And also? Simple is best.

Three, among all the headlines about the royal wedding, I came across an article that mentioned Meghan really loved cooking and that she makes a zucchini pasta sauce that she loves. Obviously this very much interested me, so I read on. The article didn’t mention how exactly she made the pasta, but it’s cool, because I was happy to do my own thing…

So I did do my thing, and it turned out SO GOOD. Very excited about it. Thank you to the new Duchess of Sussex for inspiring today’s recipe.

overhead photo of Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta in pan

Let me explain how exactly you turn zucchini into a pasta sauce.

For starters, you’ll need to boil some pasta, reserving the pasta cooking water to use for thinning out the zucchini sauce, this is key. I have mentioned this before, but the pasta cooking water is an essential ingredient to creating some of the best pasta sauces. Always reserve a little water before draining. Always. You can really use any cut of pasta you love, but I’m loving the large tubular shape that I used. The ridges really catch all the sauce so that each bite is perfectly saucy.

While the pasta is cooking, start the zucchini. The secret is to cook the zucchini until it is deep golden and caramelized. Once it hits this stage, it can be easily broken down and mashed. Cooking the zucchini this way allows for the flavors to really come out, it becomes sweet and buttery. It’s honestly just magical. That sounds so cheesy, but I don’t know of a better way to say it.

I decided to leave the zucchini on the chunkier side, but if you prefer a smooth pasta sauce, you can puree the zucchini in the food processor. Personally, that’s just another step that I didn’t want to do, but do what you like! Whether chunky or smooth, it’s going to be good.

All that’s left to do is add the cheese, I like parmesan a lot, but manchego is really good too, if you happen to have that available. Stir in lots of fresh basil and that’s it.

Pretty simple, right? Under ten ingredients, under thirty minutes, no fancy ingredients, but still really, really good. Love it!

side angled photo of Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta

And when I say I love it, I really mean it. This is one of those recipes that can easily become a staple, because it truly is so easy, simple, and delicious. I like to think of it as a fancier version of buttered noodles with the addition of lots of zucchini, basil and parmesan.

It’s truly perfection, and if you happen to be growing zucchini this summer, I foresee this becoming a staple in your kitchen too!

close up overhead photo of Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta

If you make this zucchini pasta, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you. Oh, and of course, if you do make this easy, summery pasta, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram so I can see! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Watch the How To Video:

Simplest Basil Zucchini Parmesan Pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories Per Serving: 343 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain.
    2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the zucchini, garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until the squash is caramelized and golden brown, 5-8 minutes. Using a potato masher, mash down the zucchini until it becomes a chunky sauce. 
    3. Add 1/3 cup of reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the pasta, butter and manchego, toss until melted. Add more pasta water if need to thin the sauce. Remove from the heat, add the basil. Transfer to a bowl and serve topped with fresh basil and lemon . Enjoy!

Notes

*If a smooth sauce is desired, transfer the zucchini to a food processor before adding the pasta and puree until smooth. 
View Recipe Comments

horizontal photo of Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta

All the pasta, all summer long…

Add a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Wow! THE BEST!! I used the biggest, ugliest zucchini from our garden (missed picking it with all the rain we’ve been having) and just discarded the inner seedy part. This was absolutely delicious with chicken hot off the grill. Thank you!

    1. Hi there,
      Happy Friday!!😎 I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it and your comment! xx

  2. 5 stars
    Well this recipe is delightful, much like everything else you create!! It’s also kids approved which is a win for me. Thank you!

    1. Hey Katie,
      Awesome!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and thanks so much for making it! Have a great weekend:)

  3. I made the recipe with a slight little difference, had no butter and basil in ze kitchen, but added some extra olive oil and capertjes / capere it was very tasteful, thanks for the explanation, grazie mille

    1. Hi there,
      Happy Friday!! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend:)

  4. 5 stars
    I followed your recipe to a T, even down to the pasta shape. It was AMAZING.
    It was quick, inexpensive and absolutely delicious. I strongly considered adding cherry tomatoes to it, but decided ultimately to keep it simple and I’m glad that I did.

    I want to say, I checked out the Meghan Markle lifestyle article you referenced, and your version of the zucchini pasta looked way better than the one pictured. Just saying.

    1. Hey there,
      Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe was tasty, thanks so much for making it sharing your review:) xTieghan

    1. Hi Debbie,
      I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Have a great day:)

  5. 5 stars
    Couldn’t wait to comment. Hubby does not like zucchini, calls it a slimy veg.
    But I had zucchini to use up from the garden, so decided to make this.
    I pureed the sauce, so you couldnt tell it was zucchini.
    The flavour was amazing. I topped it with garlicky breadcdumbs, browned in a little butter, to give it some crunch.
    After a few bites I asked my husband how it was and he said excellent!!!
    Only then did I tell him the sauce was made with zucchini.
    He did enjoy the crunch on top. Hard to believe how great this tastes without any cream or butter.
    I will definitely make this again.

    1. Hey Antonia,
      LOL love this! I am so excited to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Have a great weekend☀️

    1. Hey Meghan,
      Amazing! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it! Have a great Monday! xTieghan

  6. 4 stars
    So easy, and very good! Great for nights when you don’t have a lot of time! I only had parm and a tiny amount of basil but with fresh lemon at the end it was really good. Used my mini masher to mash the squash right in the pan, so easy. Leftovers reheated well also, added mushroom for the reheat which i would do again. Even my husband commented on how light and simple it was but still really great creamy flavor. will make again!

    1. Hey Jennifer,
      Happy Sunday! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and sharing your feedback! I love to hear that it was enjoyed! ☀️