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Lemon Zucchini Pasta

Lemon Zucchini Pasta: A Bright & Easy Weeknight Favorite

Lemon Zucchini Pasta is a bright, nutritious dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, combining fresh zucchini with zesty lemon.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Bowtie Pasta
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or any cooking oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Butter or vegan butter
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice fresh
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest fresh
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or vegan cheese
For the Veggies
  • 2 medium Zucchini fresh, organic
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme or dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper optional
For the Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts or any nuts/seeds

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until golden and tender.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, and crushed red pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Lower the heat and mix in 2 tablespoons of butter along with the reserved lemon juice and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water until the butter melts completely.
  5. Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, then toss in the drained pasta. Combine everything evenly and season with salt and fresh black pepper.
  6. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until desired consistency. Plate and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and toasted pine nuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For freezing, cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container.

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