Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly creamy pasta, where each bite is a luxurious blend of velvety sauce, fresh zucchini, and aromatic herbs. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary magic trick that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a pasta enthusiast looking for a quick gourmet meal, this Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh basil. Set these aside for later use.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add the grated zucchini to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften and release its moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the zucchini has softened, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture well to combine, ensuring that the zucchini is evenly coated with the cream.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the creamy zucchini sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring it is well coated. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the creamy zucchini pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Moisture Matters: When grating zucchini, don't press out the moisture. The natural water content helps create a silky sauce.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency. Pre-grated cheese won't give you the same creamy result.
- Heat Control: Sauté garlic on medium-low heat to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. Its starchy nature helps bind the sauce and adjust consistency.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil right at the end to maintain its bright, aromatic flavor.
- Quick Tip: For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
