– 8 ounces of your preferred pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced or spiralized
– 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Creating Tomato Zucchini Pasta can be a fun and rewarding experience if you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Zucchini: Add the sliced or spiralized zucchini to the skillet. Cook for around 3–4 minutes until slightly softened, stirring occasionally.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil to the mixture. Stir and let the sauce simmer for about 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and create a sauce.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs as per your preference.
7. Serve: Remove from heat. If desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with basil leaves before serving.
8. Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread.