Zucchini, a nutrient-rich, versatile veggie, is the star ingredient of our curated selection. This article brings together 15 delectable Zucchini with Pasta Recipes, making it your go-to guide for hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dishes.
Find inspiration for your next meal, whether it's a simple weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. Transform your everyday pasta into a gourmet delight using zucchini.
How to Choose Zucchini for These Pasta Recipes?
When choosing zucchini for pasta recipes, look for firm, vibrant green zucchini with smooth skin. Avoid zucchini that feels soft or has blemishes. Smaller zucchini tend to be more tender and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for pasta dishes.
If possible, opt for organic zucchini to ensure it's free from pesticides and chemicals. The freshness of the zucchini is key to achieving a delicious outcome in your pasta recipes, so choose wisely.
How Do I Prevent Zucchini from Becoming Watery?
To prevent zucchini from becoming watery in your pasta dishes, start by salting the zucchini before cooking. Slice or spiralize the zucchini and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then gently squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This process helps draw out the water content, resulting in firmer zucchini that won't release excessive moisture into your pasta sauce.
Another tip is to avoid overcooking the zucchini. Cook it just until tender but still slightly crisp to maintain its texture and minimize any excess water release. By following these steps, you can enjoy pasta dishes with perfectly cooked and non-watery zucchini.
15 Zucchini With Pasta Recipes
Navigate the zucchini zenith with these 15 pasta recipes, from cheesily comforting to herbaceous and light:
1. Butternut and Zucchini Lasagna
This splendid dish intertwines the velvety richness of butternut with the light and refreshing essence of zucchini, swirled with sundried tomato pesto. The layering process involves a delicate balance of lasagna sheets, a medley of vegetables, and Italian herbs, all cloaked in a velvety white sauce and topped with an inviting layer of melted cheese.
The savory symphony cooks in about 50 minutes, yielding a golden brown lasagna with crispy edges and an enticing aroma. The crowning moment is when you cut into it, releasing a waft of warm, comforting flavors.
2. Zucchini Mushroom Pasta
This pasta dish delivers a melody of textures, from the tender zucchini and earthy mushrooms to the al dente pasta. A tangy kiss of lemon zest and the crunch of golden breadcrumbs contribute to an overall comforting and nourishing experience.
The pasta absorbs a delightful broth, enriched with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, rounding off the flavors. A final touch of basil adds freshness to this lovely pasta dish that's ready in under 30 minutes.
3. Fried Zucchini + Mint and Pistachio Pesto Pappardelle Pasta
Revel in the unique fusion of minty pistachio pesto with the crunch of fried zucchini, blended with hearty pappardelle. This dish is a testament to the wonders of texture, flavor, and aroma.
The zucchini pieces, fried to a golden crisp, are a delightful contrast to the soft, broad pasta ribbons. This elegant meal, infused with hints of lemon and cheese, brings the richness of Italian cuisine to your plate in about 45 minutes.
4. Sweet Corn and Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet
Embrace the harmony of sweet corn and zucchini paired with hearty gnocchi in this skillet recipe. A medley of sautéed onion and bell pepper complements the corn and zucchini, while the lime juice and zest add a subtle, refreshing tang.
It's all tossed together with a touch of cream, creating a delicate, velvety texture. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and basil, this dish brings the authentic Italian countryside to your kitchen in about 30 minutes.
5. Penne Pasta, Peas and Bacon
This Penne Pasta recipe unites the heartiness of bacon with the light sweetness of peas, balanced with al dente penne. A gentle simmer in a cream-based sauce accentuates the flavor profiles of each ingredient, resulting in a satisfying, comforting dish.
The crispness of the bacon provides a pleasing contrast to the smooth pasta and tender peas. In just about 20 minutes, you have a quick yet luxurious meal that's truly soul-satisfying.
6. Pasta with Sausage and Zucchini Spirals
Discover the symphony of flavors in this short spiral pasta recipe. Twists of tender pasta intertwine with juicy, browned sausage and crispy zucchini spirals. A touch of heat from red pepper flakes and fresh garlic ensures a delightful, savory depth.
Finishing with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and basil leaves, this pasta dish radiates comforting warmth and freshness in just about 30 minutes. Ideal for a mid-week dinner or a lazy weekend meal.
7. Baked Pasta with Sausage and Zucchini
The heartiness of sausage and the subtle sweetness of zucchini take center stage in this baked pasta recipe. Generous layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese intertwine with whole wheat penne and a savory marinara sauce.
Each bite encapsulates warmth and comfort straight from the oven. Allow 40 minutes to bring this deliciously cheesy pasta bake to your dinner table.
8. Summer Salsa Pasta
Embrace the bounty of summer with this vibrant and lively pasta dish. Ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, and chunky zucchini pieces create a colorful medley of flavors.
A dash of parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add depth to the fresh, tomato-based salsa. This quick, 25-minute pasta is a perfect choice for a light, fresh, and easy-to-prepare dinner on a warm summer evening.
9. Squid Ink Mafalde with Cherry Tomatoes and Pan Fried Zucchini
This recipe elevates the classic pasta dish with a hint of the sea via the squid ink. Balanced by the freshness of cherry tomatoes and pan-fried zucchini, each strand of Mafalde pasta carries an intriguing umami flavor.
The dish is completed with a touch of basil and extra virgin olive oil. It is a unique, gourmet experience that takes only 25 minutes to prepare.
10. Buffalo ricotta ravioli with zucchini, prosciutto and mascarpone
This recipe invites you to delight in the luxurious creaminess of buffalo ricotta nestled within tender ravioli pasta. The richness is cut by the freshness of zucchini, the savory saltiness of the prosciutto, and the subtle sweetness of mascarpone.
Topped off with a sprinkle of Grana Padano and pine nuts, this lavish pasta dish is a gourmet delight that requires about 60 minutes of preparation.
11. Vegetarian Zucchini and Eggplant Lasagna
The Vegetarian Zucchini and Eggplant Lasagna is an artistic blend of fresh vegetables and rich cheeses, roasted to perfection. Enjoy the combination of juicy zucchinis, tender eggplants, and flavorful marinara sauce, perfectly melded with ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
The baking time of 30 minutes plus an extra 10 minutes of cooling time allows the flavors to beautifully integrate. The dish is adorned with fresh basil leaves, adding a touch of aromatic freshness to the warm, cheesy lasagna.
12. Penne with Prosciutto, Tomatoes and Zucchini
Penne with Prosciutto, Tomatoes, and Zucchini offers a sumptuous fusion of creamy pasta, salty prosciutto, and fresh veggies. The harmony of mildly crunchy zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and savory onion creates an enticing pasta base.
The dish takes roughly 20 minutes to create, resulting in a delightful play of textures and flavors, topped off with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese.
13. Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini
Experience the robust flavors of Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini. This dish exudes heartiness with its Italian sausage and rigatoni, complemented by fresh zucchini and grape tomatoes.
It's a delicate balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, all melded into one dish. With a total cooking time of about 30 minutes, the finale is a sprig of fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an enticing finish.
14. Parmesan Zucchini Tomato Chicken Spaghetti
Parmesan Zucchini Tomato Chicken Spaghetti is a wonderful fusion of pasta, succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory Parmesan cheese. It highlights the fresh essence of zucchini, the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, and the savory hint of chicken laced with basil pesto.
This dish, which can be prepared in 30 minutes, is a brilliant display of flavors that results in a warm, comforting meal, rounded off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
15. Pasta Primavera with Lemon Garlic Butter
Pasta Primavera with Lemon Garlic Butter is a light yet satisfying dish that lets you enjoy a medley of roasted veggies over pasta. The pasta, coated in a tangy lemon garlic butter sauce, harmonizes well with the robust flavors of zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and onions.
With a prep time of 30 minutes, it's a quick, refreshing pasta dish that's enhanced by the soft crunch of cherry tomatoes and the sharp tang of Parmesan.
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