Go Back
+ servings
Lemon Zucchini Pasta

Lemon Zucchini Pasta: A Fresh, Creamy Twist You’ll Love

Enjoy a refreshing Lemon Zucchini Pasta, a quick dish made in 30 minutes, ideal for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Spaghetti Use gluten-free if necessary.
  • ½ cup Pasta Water Reserve before draining pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can swap for avocado oil.
  • 2 medium Zucchini Can substitute with other squash.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Adjust for stronger flavor.
  • to taste Salt Customize to your taste.
  • to taste Black Pepper Preferably freshly cracked.
For Flavor Brightness
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Can use lime zest as an alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Adjust quantity based on preference.
For Creaminess and Umami
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese Use Nutritional Yeast for vegan.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large pan
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and set aside.
  2. In a large pan over high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add diced zucchini and cook for 3 minutes without stirring. Stir in more oil if needed, then reduce heat and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
  3. Mix in minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to sautéed zucchini. Cover and cook for approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add lemon juice, cooked spaghetti, grated Parmesan, and reserved pasta water to the pan. Stir together over medium heat to develop a creamy sauce.
  5. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil, chili flakes, and extra Parmesan if desired. Drizzle olive oil over each serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a vegan alternative, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Reserve pasta water to maintain creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!