08/25/2026
🍅🥒 Tomato and Zucchini Pasta
Fresh, colorful, and incredibly easy! Tender zucchini and juicy cherry tomatoes are sautéed with garlic and tossed with pasta, Parmesan, herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes. A simple weeknight dinner that makes the most of fresh summer vegetables.
🛒 Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden but still tender-crisp.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, cherry tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until the tomatoes soften and begin releasing their juices. Keep some of the tomatoes intact for a fresh, chunky texture.
6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, glossy sauce that coats the noodles.
7. Remove from the heat and toss with Parmesan, fresh basil, parsley, and lemon juice.
8. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
9. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs sprinkled over the top.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4