Simple, Healthy, and Quick Pasta with Zucchini
Recipe: #12022
February 03, 2014
Categories: Side Dishes, Spaghetti, Italian, 5-Minute Prep, Baby Shower, Heart Healthy, No Eggs, Vegetarian, Zucchini, Vegetarian Dinner, Italian Dinner, more
"I love zucchini; and, this is such a nice easy recipe. It is so light - there is actually NO sauce in this dish; just a little cheese and some of the pasta water. If you want, try adding a scoop of ricotta, it really creates a 'nice' creamy sauce. I like to serve this along side grilled shrimp or chicken. And, I like to use the 'lighter' pasta, i.e., 'Dreamfields' or other similar brands. A perfect side dish; or, a light vegetarian main dish."
Ingredients
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- Garnish
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Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (200.3 g)
- Calories 360.3
- Total Fat - 10.6 g
- Saturated Fat - 2.2 g
- Cholesterol - 6.8 mg
- Sodium - 103 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 57 g
- Dietary Fiber - 5.1 g
- Sugars - 7.8 g
- Protein - 11.8 g
- Calcium - 119.8 mg
- Iron - 3 mg
- Vitamin C - 42.9 mg
- Thiamin - 0.6 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Pasta ... Cook according to package directions, in plenty of salted water. Drain, reserving some of the pasta water (about 1/2 cup). Return the pasta to the pot and cover to keep warm. Make sure to have everything else ready.
Step 2
Zucchini ... I do NOT peel the zucchini, I grate the entire thing. Also, make sure to grate the shallots and garlic over the bowl, to get all the juices.
Step 3
Finish ... Add the zucchini, shallots, garlic, pecorino romano cheese, basil, mint, olive oil, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water; and, a pinch of salt and pepper to the warm pasta - and toss. Add a bit more cheese and pasta water if you want it a bit creamier; or, try adding a scoop of fresh ricotta, is really delicious with this dish. Squeeze a couple of lemon wedges over the pasta, and garnish with the rest. Extra cheese is also a great finish if you want. I prefer pecorino romano to parmesan, it has a nice 'tang.'
Step 4
Serve and ENJOY! ... A perfect side dish with just about anything. Or, a nice light main course, for that 'meatless Monday.'
Tips
No special items needed.