This Easy Zucchini Butter Pasta is a warm and cozy meal! With fresh zucchini, creamy butter, and spaghetti, it’s a delightful dish that’s perfect for any night.
The best part? You can whip it up in no time, which means more time to relax! I love tossing in some cheese at the end—it makes everything extra yummy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: I love using spaghetti for its classic shape. However, you can swap in any pasta you prefer, like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta works well, too!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key here. If you can’t find zucchini, try yellow squash or even finely chopped spinach for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, but you can use olive oil if you want a lighter option or to make it dairy-free.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for flavor! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Parmesan Cheese: I recommend fresh grated Parmesan for the best taste. If you’re vegetarian, look for a vegetarian-friendly version. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Fresh Basil: While fresh basil really brightens up the dish, you could use dried basil. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so use less!
How Do You Perfectly Sauté Zucchini?
Sautéing zucchini properly is important to avoid mushiness. To do this, follow these steps:
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel. This prevents the dish from becoming watery.
- Cook the grated zucchini in butter over medium heat. Give it 2-3 minutes until it softens but still retains a bit of crunch.
- Monitor the heat; you want them tender without browning too much.
These steps will help your zucchini maintain its fresh flavor and great texture in the pasta!
Easy Zucchini Butter Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn for garnish
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 20 minutes. It’s a quick and simple meal that’s 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 boiling, add your spaghetti (or chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
While your pasta is cooking, take your zucchinis and grate them using a box grater. Then, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. This step helps ensure your dish doesn’t get too watery.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned—this will add amazing flavor to your dish!
4. Cook the Zucchini:
Next, add the grated zucchini to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is slightly softened but still has some texture. This will give it a lovely bite in the final dish.
5. Combine Pasta and Zucchini:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the zucchini mixture. Toss everything together to combine. Pour in a little of the reserved pasta water at a time, just until the sauce loosens and coats the pasta beautifully.
6. Add Cheese and Season:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything well so that it’s coated in cheesy goodness!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your pasta with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch. If you like, drizzle a little good-quality olive oil over the top for added richness.
8. Enjoy!
Your Easy Zucchini Butter Pasta is ready to be served! Dish it up immediately and enjoy the creamy, buttery deliciousness. It’s comfort food that’s simple, fast, and oh-so-satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free options. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative and replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese for a similar cheesy flavor.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. You can also toss in herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile!
