Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, where golden-brown garlic butter coats tender zucchini and burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes. This Garlic Butter Zucchini and Tomato Pasta isn't just another weeknight meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a pasta enthusiast looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, slice zucchini into thin half-moon shapes and halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini starts to soften but remains slightly crisp.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to slightly break down and release their juices.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with zucchini and tomatoes.
- Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Always add a generous amount of salt to your boiling water. This is your first chance to season the pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite. The reserved pasta water will help create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: When cooking zucchini, give the slices enough space to prevent steaming. This ensures they get a nice, light caramelization.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If possible, grate your Parmesan cheese right before serving.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by sprinkling some toasted pine nuts on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 332kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
