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Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Zucchini Pasta Recipe for Quick Dinners

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A quick and easy one-pan pasta dish featuring garlic butter, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes that delivers fresh, comforting flavors perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Slice the zucchini into half-moons about ¼ inch thick, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic finely.
  2. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and melt the butter slowly, about 2 minutes, until foaming but not browned.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the zucchini and cherry tomatoes to the pan, stirring to coat them in the garlic butter. Cook for 4-5 minutes until zucchini softens and tomatoes release juices.
  5. Pour in the dry pasta, then immediately add the vegetable broth so the liquid just covers the pasta (about 2 ½ cups). Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Simmer the pasta in the broth, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and has absorbed the broth.
  7. Taste the pasta for doneness; if needed, add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking until al dente.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently to combine.
  9. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Stir often during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking. Add broth or water if the pan dries out before pasta is tender. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Preheat pan slightly before adding butter to infuse garlic evenly without burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan pasta, garlic butter pasta, zucchini pasta, cherry tomato pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/easy-one-pan-garlic-butter-zucchini-pasta-recipe-for-quick-dinners/