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Italian Zucchini Sauce

Italian Zucchini Sauce: Creamy, Veggie-Packed Delight!

Discover the Italian Zucchini Sauce, a creamy, veggie-packed delight perfect for a healthy twist on traditional pasta sauces.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 8 oz Dry Pasta any type you love
  • 2 medium Zucchini firm, yields the best texture
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil use less for a lighter version
  • 1 medium Sweet Onion (Vidalia) substitute with yellow onion if needed
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes adjust based on your spice preference
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic freshly minced is best
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil can substitute dried herbs
  • 1 cup Fresh Oregano can substitute dried herbs
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint can substitute dried herbs
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream use half-and-half or oat cream for dairy-free options
  • 1/2 cup Finely Grated Romano Cheese opt for Parmesan or nutritional yeast for dairy-free
For Garnish
  • Additional Fresh Herbs to brighten up presentation and flavor

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Box Grater
  • food processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of dry pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Trim the ends of the zucchini and halve them lengthwise. Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor until fluffy, ensuring it holds moisture well in the sauce.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Add shredded zucchini, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the fresh herbs to the skillet. Stir together and cover, letting it cook on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes.
  5. Once the zucchini is tender, stir in heavy cream and remaining fresh herbs. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, then mix in grated Romano cheese until melted and creamy, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water.
  6. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat. Alternatively, serve the sauce spooned over pasta on individual plates, garnishing with additional fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For the best texture, use medium-sized zucchini. Always reserve pasta water before draining. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor significantly.

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