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+ servings
bowtie pasta in a white bowl with zucchini slices, pine nuts, herbs
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4.75 from 4 votes

Lemon Zucchini Pasta

This bowtie pasta bowl is packed with meaty zucchini, tart lemon, and salty parmesan.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: cheesy pasta, pasta salad, salad, veggie pasta salad
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 410kcal
Author: Courtney O'Dell

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bowtie pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups zucchini cut into ¼” thick half moons
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley and toasted pine nuts for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of very salty water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. 
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the zucchini. Cook the zucchini for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes. We want a hard sear on the zucchini so make sure not to stir it too much. 
  • Next add the garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for an additional minute. 
  • Next add the butte??r, lemon juice, and ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Stir until the butter has melted. 
  • Next add ¼ cup of parmesan cheese and stir it into the sauce. Add the pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. 
  • If the sauce becomes too thin, add another splash of reserved pasta water. 
  • Serve the pasta with the remaining grated parmesan, fresh chopped parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Enjoy immediately.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 277mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g