Description

This Lemon Zucchini Pasta brings a burst of flavor with fresh zucchini, garlic, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick dinner that is both healthy and satisfying, it’s an easy homemade dish movie lovers will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 pound pasta (spaghetti), uncooked
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium zucchini, shredded
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pecorino cheese (or parmesan cheese), grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes or according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the garlic, zucchini, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. Sauté until the zucchini is tender, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water (adding more gradually if needed), cheese, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. For a smoother texture, transfer to a blender and puree for about 30 seconds.
Add the cooked pasta and basil to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
Garnish with extra pecorino cheese and fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a lighter dish, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste.
Adding chicken or shrimp can enhance the protein content.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 15mg