Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta Recipe
A vibrant and healthy tomato zucchini pasta that combines tender sautéed zucchini and blistered cherry tomatoes with garlic and fennel seed flavors, tossed with al dente fusilli and topped with parmesan and fresh herbs. This quick and nutritious dish offers a perfect balance of freshness and comforting pasta goodness, ideal for a light weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Pasta & Liquids
- 8 oz (220g) fusilli pasta
- 1/4 cup vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper chili flakes (optional)
Cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Zucchini: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and sauté until golden along the edges, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Once cooked, transfer the zucchini to a plate and keep aside.
- Cook the Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes along with black pepper, fennel seeds, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if using, and vegetable stock. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the tomatoes are blistered, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: Push the blistered tomatoes to one side of the pan, then add the cooked zucchini, cooked pasta, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Reheat the mixture for a couple of minutes, adding a little more vegetable stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the tomato zucchini pasta immediately. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh basil or parsley as garnish, and add chili flakes if desired for an extra kick. Enjoy your wholesome meal!
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried basil or parsley can be used, though fresh is preferred for best flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and chili flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: healthy pasta, tomato zucchini pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta dish
Find it online: https://zarameals.com/healthy-tomato-zucchini-pasta-recipe/
