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Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta. Garden fresh summer zucchini cooked down and mashed into a buttery, peppery parmesan pasta sauce – without using any cream. This quick pasta takes just minutes to make and uses the simplest of summertime ingredients, most of which you may have in your pantry right now! This dish isn’t super fancy, but it’s totally delicious.
I’m all about quick cooking, minimal ingredients, and little-effort recipes right now. It’s probably why I haven’t wanted to make a layer cake in months. Like most of you, I’m looking for fast and delicious recipes. Especially when it comes to summer dinners.
For us, summer dinners are always enjoyed on the later side. With the sun staying up until 9 pm, we never end up sitting down for dinner before 8 pm. For this reason alone, quick and simple dinner recipes are best – we’re tired and hungry!
That’s when I fall back on recipes just like today’s Zucchini Parmesan Pasta. A simple pasta that highlights two of my favorite summer foods, zucchini (or yellow summer squash) and fresh garden-grown basil.
I’ve been making this simple zucchini pasta for years, we just love it! Originally, I made this because I had an abundance of zucchini and fresh basil that needed to be used up!
With everyone’s gardens starting to flourish, I knew we needed to make my favorite pasta! I know you all will really love this one!
Here are the details
Step 1: Start cooking the pasta
You can use any cut of pasta you love, long or short. I think a thick-cut rigatoni noodle works very nicely! Spaghetti or fettuccini would be nice too.
Just before you drain the pasta, reserve a little over a cup of the pasta cooking water. You’ll need the pasta water to help create the yummy sauce.
Step 2: cook the squash
While the pasta is cooking, start the zucchini. You can also use yellow squash or a mix of the two. The secret is to cook the zucchini until it’s 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.
I find the zucchini is easiest to break down if you shred the zucchini first and then add it to the pan. Just like you would shred cheese.
I decided to leave the zucchini on the chunkier side, but if you prefer a smooth pasta sauce, you could puree the zucchini in the food processor. This is an extra step and an extra dish to wash though.
Chunky or smooth, it’s going to be good.
Step 3: finish the sauce
Once the zucchini is cooked, add the reserved pasta water, the cheeses – parmesan and pecorino, and butter to the pasta. Toss until you have a nice cheesy sauce.
Finish this pasta with fresh basil and lots of freshly cracked parmesan. Enjoy this warm, while the sauce is hot and creamy.
This is one of those recipes that can easily become a staple because it’s truly so easy, simple, and delicious. And if you happen to be growing zucchini this summer, I foresee this becoming a staple in your kitchen too!
Looking for other simple pasta dinners? Here are a few of my go-to’s.
One Pot Lemon Butter Ricotta and Zucchini Pasta
Pesto Cheese Zucchini Ravioli with Burst Tomatoes
Spicy Zucchini Ricotta Lasagna with Oregano Breadcrumbs
Cherry Tomato Pasta Alla Vodka
Lastly, if you make, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Simplest Zucchini Parmesan Pasta
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 487 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta, any cut works
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 medium zucchini/yellow summer squash, shredded or chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- chili flakes
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino or manchego cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1 1/4 cups of the pasta cooking water. Drain.2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini, garlic, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until the zucchini is golden, 5 minutes. Mix in the butter. Using the back of your spoon or a potato masher, mash down the zucchini until it becomes a chunky sauce. 3. Add 1 cup of reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the pasta, parmesan, and pecorino, and toss until melted. Add more pasta water if need to thin the sauce. Remove from the heat, toss in the basil.4. Serve topped with fresh basil and pepper. Enjoy!
Notes
*If a smooth sauce is desired, transfer the zucchini to a food processor before adding the pasta and puree until smooth.
Super simple and super delicious! Also a great way to get husband and kiddo to eat their veggies. I added some bacon and used brown rice pasta. This will be a staple in our dinner rotation. Yum!
Hey Bri,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Have the best weekend! xxT
So simple, but so delicious! Didn’t have lemon, but will try next time. I used orecchiette, my favorite. Worked well for this recipe!
Hey Leah,
Wonderful! I am so excited to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for trying it out! xx
I was going to make Stanley Tucci’s recipe but was amazed by the amount of oil used, so found yours. And can’t imagine a better recipe. I added mushrooms, a little lemon juice, and a touch of pineapple vibegar. Yum!
Hey Amber!
Amazing! Thanks for sharing your feedback and making this recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed:)
You can also bake the zucchini @ 375 to make it less hands on, lemon zest at the end makes it yummy too.
Thanks for the tip!
Hi! I tried this recipe yesterday but it came out a bit bland. What do you think I did wrong? Thanks Maura
This was delicious…I didn’t break the squash down quite as much as you suggested so it wasn’t quite as creamy as you said it would be. I also added some lemon zest in the last minute or so of cooking which added to the freshness of the dish. Will definitely Italy make again.
Hey Sarah,
Happy Sunday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a lot for trying it out and sharing your review! xxT
Delicious! Made several times as is but its also easy to modify or make substitutions. I’ve used a bit of white wine with the squash, added arugula, spinach, mushrooms, and subbed both parm and pecorino. All alterations were as delightful as the recipe was as written!
Hey Tracey,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback! Love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have the best weekend:)
Loved this recipe! Forgot to add the basil and we still loved it. Such a fabulous way to use my prolific zucchini plant. I’ve given this recipe to many of my gardener friends.
Hi Karen,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled that this recipe was a hit, thanks a bunch for trying it out! ☀️xxT
Delicious!!! Used last years frozen sun dried tomatoes, forgot the basil. This is crazy good!!!!
Hi Karen,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for your comment and making this recipe. So glad it hear it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Easy and delicious! I added some mushrooms. Lots of flavor without being heavy. Will be on our meatless Friday rotation.
Hey Sharon,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear that it was enjoyed. Have the best weekend! ?xxT
Amazing! Just made it, but without the cheese since I didn’t have any on hand. Delicious, so light and springy-perfect quick dinner for spring and summer ❤️
Hey Viv,
Thanks so much for your comment! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Absolutely love this recipe! So easy to make and tastes like a cream sauce without any cream. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Alexandra,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit! Have the best weekend!? xxTieghan
So simple, so delicious! Another winner from HBH.
Hi Hilary,
That’s great!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it! xxT
A definite favourite way to use up all the zucchini in the garden! I make fresh pasta with this and it’s insanely good 🙂
Hey Tawnya,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit. Have the best week:) xx
Second time cooking this recipe and loved it. Thank you.
Hey Anna-Marie,
Happy Friday!! Love to hear that you liked the recipe, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend. xTieghan