Description

Pasta With Caramelized Zucchini is a simple yet elegant dish that combines sweet, golden caramelized zucchini with savory pasta, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, adaptable to various diets, and packed with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini and Vegetables

2 medium-sized zucchinis

Pasta

8 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or penne

Aromatics and Seasonings

3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Oils and Fats

3 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs and Cheese

2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons. Dry them thoroughly to prevent steaming and ensure proper caramelization.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Caramelize the zucchini: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini slices in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed until golden brown on one side, then flip and caramelize the other side until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, taking care not to burn it, to add warmth and depth to the dish.
Combine pasta and zucchini: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the zucchini and garlic. Toss together, gradually adding reserved pasta water to create a silky coating that clings to the noodles.
Finish with herbs and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in chopped fresh herbs, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for a creamy and savory finish.

Notes

Use a heavy skillet such as stainless steel or cast iron for more even caramelization.
Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the zucchini; cook in batches if necessary.
Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and maintain moisture without thinning flavors.
Slice zucchini uniformly for even cooking and consistent caramelization.
Adjust seasoning at the end by tasting and balancing salt, pepper, and herbs for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 9 g
Cholesterol: 8 mg