Prepare to be amazed by a pasta dish that's about to revolutionize your dinner routine! Imagine twirling your fork into a lusciously creamy pasta that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy. This Creamy Zucchini Pasta is a game-changer for anyone craving a comforting meal without the heavy cream - it's packed with flavor, nutrition, and will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just looking for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner, this recipe is your new secret weapon in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all ingredients: spiralize the zucchinis into noodle-like strands, mince the garlic, and measure out the vegetable broth and nutritional yeast.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add spiralized zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini should become slightly tender but still maintain some crispness.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and nutritional yeast, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a light sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. The nutritional yeast will add a cheesy flavor without using actual cream.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Spiralize Success: Make sure to spiralize your zucchini just before cooking to prevent excess moisture. Pat the zucchini noodles with a paper towel if they seem extra wet.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a chef's secret weapon for creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Nutritional Yeast Tip: If you're new to nutritional yeast, start with a slightly smaller amount and add to taste. It provides a cheesy flavor without dairy, but can be intense for first-time users.
- Garlic Alert: Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing - it should be fragrant and golden, not brown and bitter. Medium heat is your friend here.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil for garnishing if possible. The bright, aromatic herb will elevate the entire dish and add a pop of color.
- Quick Cooking: The beauty of this recipe is its speed. Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking to ensure a smooth, stress-free preparation.
- Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta - whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles work wonderfully in this recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 366kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
