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Creamy Roasted Zucchini Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring a roasted zucchini sauce blended with garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and roasting to bring out rich flavors, complemented by perfectly cooked pasta, making it a comforting and flavorful meal for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 24 ounces zucchini, skin on, cut into 1/4-inch slices (approximately 3 to 4 medium zucchinis)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound pasta (such as cavatappi, fusilli, or rigatoni)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Vegetables: Toss the zucchini slices, smashed garlic cloves, and chopped onion with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Spread the mixture evenly on a sheet pan and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and browned.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta cooking water, and return the pasta to the pot.
  3. Prepare the Zucchini Sauce: When the vegetables are done roasting, transfer them to a blender. Add the parmesan cheese and chicken or vegetable broth and puree until smooth, creating a creamy zucchini sauce.
  4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Pour the creamy zucchini sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Serve: Top the pasta with freshly ground black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep this recipe vegetarian.
  • For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • This sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian