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Pasta with Zucchini, Parmesan, and Cream Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 3 reviews

This quick and delicious pasta with zucchini recipe combines tender pasta cooked al dente with sautéed zucchini and a creamy parmesan cheese sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a light and satisfying weeknight meal that highlights fresh ingredients and simple flavors.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz (220 grams) fusilli, penne, or rigatoni pasta

Vegetables & Seasonings

  • 1 lb (450 grams) zucchini, sliced or chopped (about 3 medium-sized zucchini)
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy & Oils

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (40 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup (80-90 grams) full-fat cream cheese or ricotta cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté Zucchini: While pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced or chopped zucchini to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally. If the pan is overcrowded, cook the zucchini in two batches to ensure they brown nicely and become tender.
  3. Add Garlic: When the zucchini is nearly tender and slightly browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the flavors to develop.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the zucchini. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan and cream cheese or ricotta. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water to help create a creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the cheese is melted and evenly coats the pasta.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately topped with more grated parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

  • To get nicely browned zucchini, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  • You can use either full-fat cream cheese or ricotta cheese depending on your preference for creaminess and texture.
  • Reserving pasta water is essential to loosen the sauce and ensure it clings to the pasta perfectly.
  • This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to complete your meal.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/pasta-with-zucchini-parmesan-and-cream-cheese-recipe/