This Easy Creamy Zucchini Butter Pasta is a comforting dish packed with fresh flavors. The zucchini adds a nice touch, while the buttery sauce makes everything rich and smooth.
Honestly, who can resist creamy pasta? I like to sprinkle some cheese on top before serving. It’s simple, quick, and a perfect way to sneak in veggies for dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used spaghetti for a classic touch, but feel free to swap it for any pasta you love! Penne or fusilli would also work well, especially in holding the creamy sauce.
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are best for this recipe. If zucchinis aren’t available, you could use yellow squash or even finely chopped spinach for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in the dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works nicely, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful umami taste. If you need a substitute, nutritional yeast can give a similar cheesy flavor for a vegan option, or you might use Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is fragrant and adds flavor. If you lack fresh herbs, dried basil could work in a pinch, just use less, about a teaspoon.
How Do I Squeeze Out Excess Moisture from Zucchini?
Removing the moisture from the grated zucchini is an important step. Too much water can lead to a watery sauce that lacks creaminess. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini using a coarse grater.
- Transfer the grated zucchini to a clean kitchen towel.
- Gather the corners of the towel and twist to form a pouch.
- Hold over the sink and squeeze as hard as you can to expel the water.
Doing this helps keep your sauce thick and creamy! Personally, I like to do this step a few minutes before cooking for maximum moisture reduction.
Easy Creamy Zucchini Butter Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp pasta cooking water (reserved)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Creamy Zucchini Butter Pasta takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10-15 minutes to cook, resulting in a total time of around 20-25 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente (usually around 8 to 10 minutes). Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
While the pasta is cooking, take your zucchinis and grate them using a coarse grater. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is super important for a creamy sauce!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until you notice a lovely aroma, but be careful not to let it brown—it can turn bitter!
4. Cook the Zucchini:
Add the grated zucchini to the skillet. Stir it with the garlic for about 2-3 minutes, just until the zucchini is soft but still bright green. You want it to maintain some of that vibrant color!
5. Combine Pasta and Zucchini:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the zucchini and garlic. Toss everything together until well mixed and coated.
6. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create that creamy sauce. If it looks a little dry, don’t hesitate to add more pasta water until you reach the consistency you like!
7. Season and Toss:
Season your pasta with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Give it a good toss to ensure everything is evenly seasoned.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your delicious creamy zucchini butter pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil if you like. Enjoy your comforting meal!
This dish combines ease and flavor, making it a perfect addition to your dinner repertoire. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Zucchini Butter Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover zucchini butter pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back the creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and omit any dairy. The outcome will still be delicious and creamy!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely customize this dish! Consider adding spinach, kale, or even peas for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them with the zucchini to incorporate them into the dish.
