This easy tomato zucchini pasta is a bright and tasty dish, perfect for a quick dinner. Made with fresh tomatoes and zucchini, it’s light, healthy, and totally satisfying!
I love how it comes together in under 30 minutes. Just toss everything together, and you’re ready to eat! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rotini or spiral pasta for fun shapes and great sauce adherence. If you want a gluten-free option, you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta, or even use spaghetti squash for a lower-carb alternative.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, making them perfect for this dish. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes work great too. Just drain them slightly before adding to the skillet.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice crunch and mild flavor. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash or even diced bell peppers can be used as substitutes.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast to achieve a similar flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Vegetables Without Overdoing It?
Cooking the tomatoes and zucchini just right is essential for this recipe. You want them to be flavor-packed but still have a bit of texture. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat for your skillet. Add the garlic first and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but don’t let it brown.
- Then, add the halved tomatoes and zucchini rounds. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the veggies for about 5-7 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices without turning mushy.
This technique allows the flavors to meld beautifully while preserving the dish’s freshness! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini or spiral pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the rotini or spiral pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Veggies:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Stir them occasionally, cooking until the tomatoes soften and the zucchini is tender but still has a slight crunch. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season and Combine:
Once the veggies are cooked, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Then, toss in the cooked pasta, mixing everything thoroughly. Ensure the pasta is well coated with the olive oil and vegetable juices.
5. Add Cheese and Finish:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Give everything a good stir to combine until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly mixed. Adjust any seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your easy tomato zucchini pasta immediately while it’s hot. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that lovely finishing touch. Enjoy this colorful and nutritious meal!
This pasta dish is not just delicious but also brimming with freshness and vibrant flavors. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or spiral pasta works well for this dish, you can substitute it with any pasta you like, such as penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Can I Prep This Meal Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and the sautéed vegetables separately a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, just combine them in a skillet and reheat everything together over low heat.
What Are Some Good Storage Tips for Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent it from drying out. If the pasta seems too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth while reheating!
