Ingredients
Pasta
- 7 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
Vegetables
- 2 lbs zucchini (chopped in bite-size pieces)
- 1 lb grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (cut in halves)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup fresh parsley or 1/2 cup basil (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta as per package instructions, undercooking by 2-3 minutes or until al dente, firm to the bite but cooked through.
- Sauté zucchini: While pasta cooks, heat a large ceramic non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then add chopped zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender but still crisp. Transfer zucchini to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté tomatoes and garlic: Return the skillet to the heat, add another 1 tbsp olive oil, and swirl to coat. Add halved tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute while stirring to release the aroma without burning.
- Combine ingredients and finish: Turn off the heat. Add the cooked pasta and sautéed zucchini back into the skillet. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, and add the fresh chopped parsley or basil. Stir gently to combine all flavors well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, healthy meal!
Notes
- Under cooking the pasta by 2-3 minutes ensures it holds texture when mixed with the vegetables.
- Using a non-stick ceramic skillet helps prevent sticking and burning while sautéing the vegetables.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be substituted based on preference for a different herbaceous note.
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan parmesan alternative.
- Adjust salt and pepper depending on dietary needs and cheese saltiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian