Are you craving a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes? Prepare to be amazed by this luxurious Pasta with Creamy Zucchini Sauce – a culinary masterpiece that transforms humble zucchini into a silky, indulgent sauce that will make your taste buds dance! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this Italian-inspired recipe proves that gourmet cooking can be both simple and spectacular.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, grate zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Ensure to remove excess moisture by gently pressing the grated zucchini with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add grated zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini becomes soft and releases its moisture.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine with the zucchini. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the cream to slightly thicken.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the zucchini cream sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with fresh torn basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Moisture Management: The key to a perfect zucchini sauce is removing excess water. After grating, always squeeze out moisture with a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery sauce.
- Garlic Technique: Sauté garlic quickly and watch carefully to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter. 30-45 seconds over medium heat is perfect.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce and helps the cheese and cream bind to the pasta.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Serving Pro Tip: Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so timing is everything!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
