Pasta con Zucchine e Limone
Prep Time: 10 minutes,
Cook Time: 15 minutes,
Time to Stand: 5 minutes (optional),
Total Time: 30 minutes,
Ease of Cooking: Easy,
Servings: 4,
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving,
Cost of Ingredients: Low (around $10 total),
Cuisine: Italian,
Course: Main course.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Zester or grater
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400g spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta of your choice
- Zucchini: 2 medium-sized sliced into thin rounds
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Lemon: 1 zested and juiced
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Parmesan cheese: 50g grated (optional)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley: for garnish optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add Pasta: Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a strainer and set it aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Add Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
- Cook Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and lightly golden, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix Pasta with Zucchini: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the zucchini. Toss to combine.
- Add Lemon: Pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy: Let me show you how I make this dish come alive with flavors!