Speedy Tomato Zucchini Pasta Your Weeknight Wonder

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a super easy pasta dish? Ever wondered what to do with all that zucchini from your garden? The Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta is here! It’s packed with fresh flavours, ready in a flash and perfect for busy days.

Brief Overview

This dish is a celebration of simple Italian flavours. It is all about displaying garden-fresh produce. It's super quick. We are talking about a 30 minute meals situation! This recipe makes 4 servings.

It is ideal for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this recipe? It’s loaded with veggies! Getting your five-a-day never tasted so good. This vegetarian pasta recipes is fantastic for a weeknight pasta dinners .

This is a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your meals. What makes this tomato zucchini pasta recipe special? It’s simple, quick, and utterly delicious!

Ready to dive in? Let's talk about the ingredients you'll need.

Speedy Tomato Zucchini Pasta Your Weeknight Wonder Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rotini)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (800g)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (120ml)
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (packed), plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
• While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stir in oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in diced zucchini and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato zucchini sauce. Toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce. Stir in basil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of good olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:15g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Pasta

Cuisine:Italian

The Star Ingredients

Okay, so what goes into this magical Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta ?

Here's What You Need

• 1 pound (450g) pasta, get your favourite.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (800g).
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (120ml).
• 2 medium zucchini, diced.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Don’t skimp on the fresh basil – it makes a huge difference.

Why These Ingredients?

The zucchini adds a lovely sweetness and texture. The tomatoes provide a rich, savoury base. The garlic and oregano give it that classic Italian vibe.

You can easily adapt the recipe to your taste using spinach or kale instead of zucchini .

Making the Magic Happen

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do we actually make this Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta ? It’s easier than you think. Trust me, even I can do it.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the pasta al dente. Remember to save some of that pasta water.
2. Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil. Add oregano and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the zucchini and cook until tender-crisp.
5. Toss the pasta with the sauce. Add some pasta water if it needs loosening.
6. Stir in basil and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan. Dig in!

This easy Italian pasta dishes recipe is so versatile.

Pro Tips

Salt your pasta water like the sea, that is the secret. Don’t overcook the zucchini you want it to still have a bit of bite.

The starchy pasta water is your friend. Don't be afraid to add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.

Consider it Squash Fritters recipe in pasta form, but less crispy.

So, there you have it: the Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta . It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavour. It's the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you just want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for the Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta . This isn't rocket science. We’re aiming for simple, fresh, and delicious.

Ingredients & Equipment Breakdown

Let's get real about what makes this tomato zucchini pasta recipe sing!

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) pasta: Spaghetti or penne work a treat. Try getting that bronze-die stuff, you know? It holds the sauce better.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin is always the way to go.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Don't be shy. We love garlic here!
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup ): Adds a bit of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Essential for that Italian vibe.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of oomph .
• 1 (28 ounce) can (800g) crushed tomatoes: San Marzano is ideal, but whatever's good quality will do.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth: Adds depth of flavour.
• 2 medium zucchini, diced: Fresh is best! Make sure they're firm. This could also be a smashing zucchini fritters recipe if you cut and fry these things!
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (packed): Fresh basil is non-negotiable!
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Go for real Parmigiano Reggiano, not that powdered stuff.

I remember one time, I used really cheap canned tomatoes, and the sauce tasted like metal! Honestly , spend a bit extra on good quality tomatoes.

Seasoning Notes

Oregano and red pepper flakes are the base. Garlic is my love for Italian food. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

A splash of balsamic vinegar adds tang. Instead of oregano , try Italian herb mix.

• Seasoning Essential: Garlic and fresh Basil
• Flavor Enhancers: Red Pepper Flakes, balsamic vinegar
• Quick Subs: Italian herb mix for oregano.

Equipment Needed

Nothing fancy here, promise. This recipe is all about making weeknight pasta dinners easy.

• Large pot for pasta.
• Large skillet or saute pan.
• Colander for draining.
• Knife and chopping board.

You don't need any fancy equipment. If you don't have a colander, use a plate.

The beauty of this tomato zucchini pasta recipe is that it's ready in 30 minutes . If you need a zucchini recipe , or are trying to make use of all those summer vegetables, this is it.

So go on, have a go! You'll make a fantastic easy Italian pasta dishes . Also you can try with another summer vegetable like squash fritters .

Speedy Tomato Zucchini Pasta: Your Weeknight Wonder

Honestly, who has time to cook a complicated meal during the week? Not me! That's why I'm obsessed with this Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta .

It's ready faster than ordering a takeaway and tastes way better. Plus, it's packed with veggies, so you can feel good about what you're eating.

This easy italian pasta dishes recipe is absolutely perfect for when you're short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying.

It's a true one-pot wonder that brings summer vibes to your table, even when it's raining cats and dogs outside.

Who could say no to that?

Prep Steps: The Key to Kitchen Zen

Before you even think about turning on the hob, let's get our mise en place sorted. That's fancy chef talk for "everything in its place.

" First, dice two medium zucchini , mince two cloves of garlic , and chop one medium onion . This cuts the cooking time, making the tomato zucchini pasta recipe a 30 minute meal.

Grate 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese , and chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil (plus extra for garnish).

Time-Saving Tip: Chop your veggies while the pasta water is heating up. This is a great way to save time, and makes this a quick pasta recipe .

Step-by-Step to Pasta Perfection

Alright, let's get cooking!

1. Cook 1 pound of pasta according to package directions until al dente . Remember to salt your water well! Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion for 3- 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of a kick!). Add one 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes .
4. Add the diced zucchini and cook for 5- 7 minutes until it's tender-crisp. We want it to have a bit of bite, not be mushy.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the basil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Pasta Prowess

Here's a sneaky shortcut: use a jar of good quality tomato pasta sauce instead of crushed tomatoes. I won't tell anyone!

Common Mistake Alert: Overcooking the zucchini. Keep an eye on it! You want it to be tender-crisp, not a mushy mess.

This pasta with summer vegetables is best served immediately. The zucchini recipe and especially the zucchini fritters recipe do not apply here.

But you could try making squash fritters as a side. Yum!

This vegetarian pasta recipe is a lifesaver, you know? It's tasty, easy, and everyone loves it. Give this Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta a go, and tell me what you think! I bet it'll become a family favourite.

Right then, let's talk about making this Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta even better ! Honestly, cooking isn't just about following a recipe.

It's about making it your own. Think of these recipe notes as helpful nudges to get you started.

Recipe Notes: Let's Get Personal!

Serving Suggestions: Va-Va-Voom!

Honestly, presentation matters. This isn't just slop on a plate! Think about swirling that gorgeous tomato zucchini pasta recipe into a nice bowl.

A sprinkle of extra fresh basil? Oh my gosh, yes! A drizzle of olive oil? Absolutely! And don't forget a wedge of crusty bread.

Perfect for mopping up all that lovely sauce. For drinks, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio is classic. Or even a simple sparkling water with lemon.

If you are thinking of making this in a similar style, the base can be used to make a Zucchini Fritters Recipe , and is a great side for this dish.

If you're not in the mood for pasta, you can always turn zucchini into delicious Squash Fritters !

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy Italian pasta dish keeps well. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container.

It'll be good for about 3 days. Reheating is a doddle. Just microwave it until it's piping hot. Or, even better, warm it up in a pan with a splash of water.

Keeps it nice and saucy. Sadly, freezing isn't the best option. The zucchini can get a bit mushy. No one wants that!

Variations: Your Pasta, Your Rules!

Fancy a bit of a twist? No worries! For a veggie option, ditch the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Bob's your uncle! Want to add a kick? Red pepper flakes are your friend. And for a bit of seasonal fun, swap out the zucchini for some lovely asparagus in the spring.

The goal of the " zucchini recipe " and " tomato zucchini pasta recipe " is to make it your own.

Nutrition Basics: Good for the Gut

This pasta is a decent meal. You're looking at roughly 450 calories per serving. It's got a good whack of carbs for energy, protein to keep you going, and fiber from the veggies.

Think of it as a bowl of goodness. Using fresh ingredients, like zucchini, will increase the nutrients and the flavor.

Right, that's your lot! Don't be shy, get creative with this " best weeknight tomato zucchini pasta ". It's all about having a go and enjoying the process of cooking.

Have fun! If you need something quick, remember this is one of the perfect " quick pasta recipes " to explore during busy days.