spaghetti and zucchini recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
spaghetti and zucchini recipe
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The Best spaghetti and zucchini recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – spaghetti and zucchini. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to write about it. I think it’s because I’ve always assumed everyone knew how to make it, but the truth is, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, add some protein like chicken or sausage for a hearty meal, or even use it as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic. The possibilities are endless.

As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly healthy. Zucchini is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, while spaghetti is a great source of complex carbohydrates. When you combine them with some garlic and olive oil, you get a dish that’s not only delicious but also good for you. Now that I’ve piqued your interest, let me tell you a bit about where this recipe comes from.

Spaghetti and zucchini is a classic Italian dish that’s been around for centuries. It’s one of those recipes that has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks, and each one adds their own twist to make it unique. When I first made this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to make and how much my family loved it. My kids devoured the spaghetti and zucchini in minutes, asking for seconds (and thirds) before we’d even finished eating our meal.

As for me, I loved the fact that this recipe was so quick to prepare – perfect for those busy weeknights when we’re all scrambling to get dinner on the table. One thing that sets this recipe apart from other spaghetti dishes is the addition of zucchini. While some people might think zucchini is boring or bland, trust me when I say that it adds such depth and flavor to the dish. When you sauté the zucchini with garlic and olive oil until it’s tender and slightly caramelized, you get a flavor combination that will leave you wanting more.

Spaghetti with Zucchini and Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti with Zucchini and Tomato Sauce

4.6 from 1662 votes

A healthy and delicious pasta dish featuring zucchini and a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weekday meal or a light dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz spaghetti
1 medium zucchini

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 medium onion
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves using a cutting board and knife.
Set aside.
5In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
7Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
8The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden.
9Add the tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil to the skillet.
10Stir well to combine and reduce the heat to low.
11Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
12While the sauce is simmering, slice the zucchini into thin rounds using a knife.
Set aside.
13Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the sauce.
14Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and slightly browned.
15The zucchini should be easily pierced with a fork and have a slight charred flavor from the skillet.
16Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the zucchini and sauce.
17Toss well to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
18If the pasta seems too dry, add a little pasta water to loosen it up.
19Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
20Serve the spaghetti with zucchini and tomato sauce hot, garnished with additional oregano or basil if desired.
21Enjoy your meal.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Skillet
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Spaghetti with Zucchini and Tomato Sauce Works

This spaghetti and zucchini recipe is truly a winner – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it on-the-go. Not only does it taste amazing, but its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion.

Plus, its nutritional benefits are unmatched by many other pasta dishes out there. If you’re looking for ideas on how to serve this deliciousness up at your next family gathering or potluck event, here are some suggestions: serve with marinara sauce as an appetizer; offer as a side dish at your next BBQ; or even create individual portions by placing them into cute little containers filled with parmesan cheese sprinkles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti with Zucchini and Tomato Sauce

Q: What type of zucchini should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using green zucchinis as they have a milder flavor than yellow or crookneck zucchinis.

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen zucchinis?

While both fresh and frozen zucchinis work well in this recipe, I prefer using fresh zucchinis as they retain their texture better.

Q: How long does spaghetti take to cook?

The cooking time for spaghetti depends on personal preference; however, most people find that al dente pasta takes around 8-10 minutes to cook.

Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?

This recipe is quite versatile – feel free to add your favorite protein sources like ground beef or sausage if you’re looking for something more substantial.

Q: What if I don’t have any garlic?

You can omit garlic altogether if you don’t have any on hand; however, keep in mind that garlic plays an essential role in enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Q: Can I store leftovers in the fridge?

This dish remains safe for consumption in the fridge for up to three days when stored properly; reheat according to package instructions.

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