4 Ingredient Zucchini Pasta
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make 4 ingredient zucchini pasta in about 30 minutes. It’s a delicious easy meal that is perfect busy weeknights.
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This zucchini pasta is a simple recipe that is delicious and requires just a few fresh ingredients with the right balance of flavors. Serve it with a refreshing salad for a delicious main course.
🤍Why you will love this recipe
- It’s a fresh and wholesome, healthy dinner. The natural goodness of zucchini pairs perfectly with pasta and garlic.
- It’s customizable with four siimple ingredients to build on. See recipe variations below.
Here is what you will need
This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this zucchini pasta dish; scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.
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How to make this 4 Ingredient zucchini pasta recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Rinse and dry the zucchini pasta, and slice it into 1/4 thick slices using with a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
Chop the garlic clove, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
STEP 1: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, reduce to medium heat, add the garlic and zucchini rounds. Cook until the zucchini starts to soften and turn golden brown. Reduce to low heat to keep the zucchini warm.
STEP 2: Once pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with the zucchini slices. Add a little bit of olive oil and grated parmesan cheese and serve.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Zucchini squash is a mild-tasting vegetable that can be replaced with just about any vegetable (see variations below). If you prefer the flavor of zucchini, you can also use yellow squash, which is similar in texture and flavor.
Pasta – Any shape of pasta will work for this recipe. Linguine, angel hair, penne, and fusilli are all good options.
How to store leftovers
4 ingredient zucchini pasta tastes best right after it’s been prepared. In the event that you do have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for a day or two in an airtight container.
Enjoy leftovers cold or warmed on top of the stove or microwave.
Recipe variations
The main ingredients in this recipe are a good base for an even more flavorful pasta dish. Here are some suggestions for making this zucchini recipe your own simple pasta recipe.
Pesto zucchini pasta – Replace olive oil on the pasta with a few spoonfuls of pesto sauce.
Lemon – Make a refreshing zucchini pasta by adding a splash of lemon juice and lemon zest.
Tomatoes – Toss cherry tomatoes into the skillet with the zucchini and garlic.
Spicy – Add a dash or two to taste of red pepper flakes to the pasta.
Vegetables – Use any combination of your favorite vegetable in this pasta recipe such as: sauteed broccoli, bell pepper, mushrooms, asparagus, eggplant, spinach, kale, arugula.
Creamy sauce – Make a creamy sauce with a tablespoon or two of cream or yogurt.
Zucchini noodles pasta – Instead of slicing the zucchini, spiralize it, saute it and toss it with linguine pasta.
Low carb version – Omit the pasta and double up on the zucchini noodles for a low-carb version of zucchini spaghetti.
Serving suggestions
Serve 4-ingredient zucchini pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves, cracked black pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice and grated cheese or you can make a creamy version with the addition of bechamel sauce.
This pasta tastes great with a garden salad, cucumber salad, asparagus with butter, or eggplant caprese.
💡Top Tips
- Choose fresh ingredients. Look for zucchini that is medium in size, firm to the touch and free of blemishes.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini; saute it’s tender with a slight bite.
- Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels before adding it to the skillet to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Reserve some of the pasta water and add it to the pasta in the bowl for extra moisture.
It is not necessary to peel the zucchini before cooking it. The skin contains nutrients and adds a little bit of color.
It is not recommended to freeze leftovers. Both zucchini and pasta don’t freeze well. It’s best to store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Are you too tired to cook dinner?
If you’re feeling uninspired when it’s time to cook dinner, this free guide will help you make a quick and healthy dinner with ingredients you have in your kitchen.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 zucchini medium
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: slice 1 zucchini and chop 2 cloves garlic.
- Cook 4 ounces uncooked pasta according to the instructions on the package.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the zucchini slices and garlic. Cook until they begin to turn soft which should be about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain and place it into a bowl. Add the zucchini, garlic mixture and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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I made this a few times a and love how easy this is! Sometimes I add cherry tomatoes too. Delicious and easy!
Thank you Sarah! Adding cherry tomatoes sounds delicious.