This easy tomato zucchini pasta is a fresh and tasty meal! With juicy tomatoes and tender zucchini, it’s a colorful dish that feels light and satisfying. Perfect for any day!
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just sauté the veggies, toss in the pasta, and you’re ready to enjoy. It’s my go-to for busy nights when I want something yummy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its twisty shape that holds onto the sauce well. If you don’t have rotini, try penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Gluten-free pasta works too if that’s what you need!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness! If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute with diced regular tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they soften properly.
Zucchini: This veggie makes the dish vibrant and adds nutrition. You can swap zucchini with yellow squash or even use bell peppers for a different flavor and texture.
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing, but you could also use avocado oil or another cooking oil of your choice. Just make sure it has a high smoke point.
Parmesan Cheese: It gives a cheesy finish! For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a tasty substitute. If you prefer a different cheese, try Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor.
How Do I Properly Cook the Pasta and Vegetables Together?
Cooking pasta and vegetables might seem tricky, but it’s really straightforward! It’s all about timing. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by boiling water. Salt it well—this adds flavor to the pasta.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, which means it should feel firm when bitten. This usually takes 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add tomatoes and zucchini.
- Cook the veggies until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes. This allows them to release their juices, which flavor the pasta.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it and toss it into the skillet with the veggies. Mix everything together for about 1-2 minutes on the heat to let the flavors combine.
Following these steps will ensure your pasta and vegetables are perfectly cooked, creating a delightful meal!
How to Make Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish will take you approximately 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes sautéing the veggies and tossing everything together. It’s a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Heat the Oil:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will be the base for your flavorful veggies!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Cook the Veggies:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced zucchini into the skillet. Stir occasionally as they cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their delicious juices while the zucchini becomes tender.
5. Season It Up:
Once the veggies are cooked, sprinkle them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything to mix the flavors.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the veggie mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is coated with the delicious juices from the veggies. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Finish with Parsley:
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This will add a nice color and flavor to your dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your easy tomato zucchini pasta is now ready! Serve it immediately on plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you desire. Enjoy this delightful and vibrant meal!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Zucchini Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or a little water, stirring to combine.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so that all vegetables are cooked to your liking.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you want to skip the cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You could also use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.
