Name: Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne); 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Description

This Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for any meal. With tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, this simple pasta recipe is a great way to enjoy your veggies. It’s light, healthy, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors that everyone will love! Serve it as a quick weeknight dinner or a colorful side dish — either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Zucchini:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Tomatoes and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Combine the Ingredients:
Return the zucchini to the skillet with the tomatoes. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add Basil and Season:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together to combine.
Serve:
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Make It Vegan – Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based meal.
Add Protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make a great addition to this pasta.
Storage Tips – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce.