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Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini

Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini
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Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini is a quick, wholesome, and comforting meal that balances tender pasta, silky creamy sauce, and fresh zucchini crunch. Perfect for busy nights, it combines nourishing ingredients and is easy to customize for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • Dried pasta (penne or fusilli) – 8 oz (about 225g)
  • Fresh zucchini – 2 medium, sliced into half-moons
  • Garlic cloves – 3, minced

Liquids and Dairy

  • Vegetable or chicken broth – 4 cups (about 1 liter)
  • Heavy cream or plant-based alternative – 3/4 cup (180 ml)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup (about 50g)

Others

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Fresh herbs (basil or parsley, optional) – 2 tablespoons chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Wash the zucchini and cut it into half-moons or bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to enhance aroma during cooking.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Zucchini: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add zucchini pieces and cook until just tender and bright green, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the dried pasta and vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the pasta cook until al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is silky and coats every piece of pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the cheese.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the pasta. Give a gentle toss to incorporate and brighten the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Choose robust pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for better sauce adherence.
  • Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling and ensure smooth sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water; add a splash if sauce becomes too thick to maintain creaminess.
  • Don’t overcook zucchini; it should stay slightly firm for texture.
  • Adjust seasoning after adding Parmesan, as it contributes saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy pasta, zucchini pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, gluten free pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/creamy-one-pot-pasta-with-zucchini/