Description

A Fresh, Light, and Flavorful 30-Minute Pasta Dish!

Looking for a meal that’s quick, delicious, and packed with fresh ingredients? This Tomato Zucchini Pasta is your answer! With vibrant zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil, this dish brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta is light yet satisfying, making it an excellent vegetarian main course or a delicious side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. Serve it warm for a comforting meal, or enjoy it chilled as a refreshing pasta salad. However you choose to prepare it, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

⭐ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
⭐ Fresh & Wholesome – Packed with seasonal veggies, olive oil, and basil for a naturally delicious taste.
⭐ Versatile & Customizable – Add your favorite proteins, cheeses, or extra veggies to make it your own.
⭐ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well in the fridge and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
⭐ Family-Friendly – A great way to get kids to eat more vegetables in a delicious pasta dish!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Method

Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, set aside ½ cup of pasta water—this starchy liquid helps bind the sauce and gives the pasta a silky finish. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sautéing the Zucchini
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender. Once done, remove the zucchini from the pan and set it aside.

Cooking the Tomatoes & Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt, then cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the tomatoes soften, they’ll release their natural juices, creating a light and flavorful sauce.

Bringing It All Together
Return the cooked zucchini to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Gently toss everything to coat the pasta in the tomato juices. If the mixture seems dry, drizzle in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta looks silky and well combined.

Adding the Final Touches
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of heat). Toss everything one last time to make sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Serving & Garnishing
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and, if desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami-rich finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Conclusion

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

🍝 Change Up the Pasta – Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for a different texture and nutritional boost.
🥦 Add More Veggies – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra goodness.
🧀 Try Different Cheeses – Swap Parmesan for feta, goat cheese, or Pecorino Romano for a unique twist.
🌿 Play with Herbs – Use oregano, thyme, or parsley if you don’t have fresh basil.
🍗 Boost the Protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it heartier.
🔥 Add a Spicy Kick – Sprinkle in chili flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-heat balance.

🍷 Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the light, fresh flavors beautifully.
🥖 Bread on the Side: Serve with warm garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every bit of sauce.
🥗 Add a Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing makes a refreshing side.

Let’s be real—life gets busy, and sometimes we need a go-to meal that’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying. That’s where Tomato Zucchini Pasta shines. It’s the kind of dish that feels light yet comforting, bursting with fresh flavors that make every bite irresistible.

The combination of juicy tomatoes, tender zucchini, garlic, and fresh basil creates a naturally flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. And the best part? It’s all done in 30 minutes, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this pasta is sure to impress. So grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and enjoy every forkful of this simple yet stunning dish!