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- 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or sliced - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) The main ingredients in this dish create a fresh and light meal. I love using spaghetti because it holds the sauce well, but any pasta works. Zucchini adds a nice texture and a slight crunch, while cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. The flavoring ingredients make this dish shine. Garlic adds depth, and olive oil gives a rich finish. Oregano brings that classic Italian taste. If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. For a pop of color and taste, fresh basil leaves are a must. Sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a creamy touch. This simple combination creates a delightful dish that's perfect for any day. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This helps to flavor the pasta. Once the water is bubbling, add your 8 oz of spaghetti or your pasta choice. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, meaning firm to the bite. When it's done, save 1 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, let’s prepare the vegetables. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is warm, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Then, add 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or sliced, and 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these for 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crisp. Now it’s time to mix everything. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together well. If the pasta looks dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will help reach the right consistency. To get the best flavor, cook your zucchini and tomatoes for about 5 to 7 minutes. This time keeps them tender, yet crunchy. Start with the garlic in olive oil. Cook it for just 1 minute until it smells amazing. Add the zucchini and tomatoes next. Stir them gently to avoid mushiness. Present your pasta in a large, shallow bowl. This creates a nice look. Top it with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and flavor. This simple touch makes your dish shine! If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great choices. For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh zucchini and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Adjust the Spiciness: Modify the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference; you can leave them out for a milder dish. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining; it’s perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to mix in additional vegetables or protein, such as spinach or grilled chicken, to make the dish heartier. {{image_2}} You can change up the type of pasta in this dish. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutty flavor. It makes the meal more filling and healthy. Gluten-free options, like brown rice or quinoa pasta, work great too. They let everyone enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. Adding more veggies makes this pasta even better. Bell peppers bring a sweet crunch. Spinach adds color and nutrients. You can also use seasonal vegetables like asparagus or peas. This makes the dish fresh and fun! Let’s get creative with flavors! Adding cheese, like feta or goat cheese, makes a rich taste. You can also try different spices, like thyme or basil. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add more depth. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! To keep your Tomato Zucchini Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works well. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. It can make the pasta mushy. Instead, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil. Stir gently until heated through. Aim for a temperature of 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat. You can freeze Tomato Zucchini Pasta for quick meals later. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to three months. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet and add a little water or oil to restore moisture. To make Tomato Zucchini Pasta vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute. It adds a nice flavor and is dairy-free. You can also try vegan cheese if you prefer a more creamy taste. For protein, you can add chickpeas or lentils. Both add good texture and protein. You can also toss in some sautéed mushrooms for a meaty feel. Just cook them until they're soft and golden. Yes, you can use different types of tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes bring bright flavor, while canned tomatoes are easy and convenient. For fresh tomatoes, try Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. They have great taste and hold up well in cooking. If you use canned tomatoes, choose whole or diced ones. They save time and taste good too. You can serve Tomato Zucchini Pasta with many side dishes. A fresh green salad pairs well with the pasta. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty side. If you enjoy wine, a light white wine goes well with this dish. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio can enhance the meal. In this blog post, I covered how to make a delicious Tomato Zucchini Pasta. We looked at essential ingredients, like spaghetti, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, plus tips for perfect sautéing and serving. Variations allow for personalization with different pasta types and veggies. Storing leftovers and reheating tips help keep your meal fresh. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and enjoying flavors. Try different options to find what you love most. Happy cooking!

Tomato Zucchini Pasta

Looking for a quick, healthy pasta dinner? Try this Tomato Zucchini Pasta! This delicious vegetarian pasta dish is loaded with fresh spiralized zucchini and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this healthy pasta recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Don't miss out on this quick and easy spiralized zucchini recipe that everyone will love. Save this recipe for your next meal! #TomatoZucchiniPasta #HealthyPastaRecipe #VegetarianPastaDish #QuickPastaDinner
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or sliced

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Zucchini and Tomatoes: Add the spiralized zucchini (or sliced zucchini) and the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

        Season the Mixture: Stir in the oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the vegetable mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

            Serve: Plate the pasta, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow bowl, garnishing with extra basil and cheese on top. Drizzle a little olive oil for added richness.