Description
A vibrant and flavorful Tomato Zucchini Pasta featuring tender pasta tossed in a savory tomato sauce with sautéed zucchini, garlic, and onion, finished with fragrant basil and grated Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe comes together quickly for a satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) penne or spaghetti pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half moons
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Cook zucchini: Stir in the zucchinis, cooking for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add cheese: Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and gently mix to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Use penne or spaghetti depending on your preference; both work well.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if unavailable, but add at the end for best flavor.
