Description
This simple fresh zucchini pasta sauce is a light and creamy delight perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Made with tender sautéed zucchini, garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese, this sauce combines fresh ingredients and a hint of lemon to create a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s ideal for those seeking a comforting yet healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 1.5 pounds zucchini, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta; this starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for one more minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Zucchini: Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini becomes tender, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance flavors and reduce slightly.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce and it becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed, to coat the pasta evenly and adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Reserve pasta water when draining as its starch content helps bind the sauce and pasta together beautifully.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream with the broth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Adjust salt carefully as broth and cheese add natural saltiness.
- This sauce pairs well with fettuccine but works with any pasta shape you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: zucchini pasta sauce, fresh zucchini sauce, easy pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta sauce, creamy zucchini sauce, Italian zucchini pasta
