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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian