This is a light yet hearty dish that beautifully combines pasta with the summer freshness of zucchini. The zucchini ribbons mingle with fettuccine in a creamy sauce, while grape tomatoes add a burst of flavor. It's a simple, delicious meal that's sure to impress.
This recipe features common ingredients like pasta, zucchini, and tomatoes, but also introduces others that might not be in every pantry. For instance, fat-free cream cheese is used to make the sauce creamy without adding too much fat. Fresh basil is also key and while dried can be used, nothing beats the flavor of fresh leaves. So if you're heading to the supermarket, make sure these are on your list.
Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta Recipe Ingredients
Fettuccine: This is the pasta of choice for our recipe. Fettuccine is thick and hearty, which stands up well to the other ingredients.
Zucchini: This versatile vegetable is the star of our dish, transformed into delicate ribbons.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Grape tomatoes: These add a pop of color and a burst of acidic sweetness.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, sweet depth to the overall dish.
Low sodium chicken broth: This forms the base of our sauce, adding depth and savory notes.
Fat-free cream cheese: It lends creaminess to the sauce without the extra fat.
Basil: Brings a fresh and slightly sweet taste.
Lemon juice: Adds a bit of tanginess that brightens up the whole dish.
One reader, Dorotea Layman says:
This zucchini ribbons and pasta recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh zucchini, burst tomatoes, and creamy sauce is simply divine. The flavors are so vibrant and the dish is incredibly satisfying. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy pasta option.
Cooking Techniques for Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta
How to prepare zucchini ribbons: Cut the zucchini into thin slices along the long direction, then cut the slices into long pieces about the same size as the fettuccine.
How to cook tomatoes: Heat a skillet, add olive oil, and cook the tomatoes until they start to burst and look blistered.
How to make the cream sauce: Soften the cream cheese in the microwave, then combine it with the chicken broth mixture in a pan, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add chopped basil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to cook the zucchini and pasta: Add the zucchini strips to the pot with the pasta and boil for about 2 minutes, or until tender. Drain and combine with the sauce.
How To Make Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta
Zucchini ribbons give this pasta dish a great in-season freshness. The sauce is a tasty combo of cream cheese, basil, olive oil, & a pop of lemon juice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½lbfettuccine
- 1medium zucchini
- 2tspolive oil,divided
- 10ozgrape tomatoes,(about 2 cups)
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 3clovesgarlic,finely minced
- 1cuplow sodium chicken broth
- 3ozfat-free cream cheese
- 1cupbasil,very loosely packed and chopped
- 1tbsplemon juice,fresh squeezed, more if desired
Instructions
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Prepare a pot of water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Cut ends off zucchini and slice along the long direction, cutting the zucchini into about ⅛ inch slices.
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Cut each of those slices into long pieces, about the same size as the fettuccine. Set zucchini aside.
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Heat a medium size skillet to medium heat. When hot, add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add tomatoes and give them a little sprinkle of kosher salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
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Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Just until they start to burst and look blistered. Remove tomatoes from pan and place in a small dish, covered, and set aside.
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Add another 1 teaspoon olive oil to the empty pan and add garlic. Stir constantly on medium-low heat for about 30 to 60 seconds. Add chicken broth.
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Bring to a simmer and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes and then reduce heat to low.
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Place cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and soften for 20 to 30 seconds, until it can be easily stirred smooth. Ladle in a couple spoonfuls of the chicken broth mixture into the cream cheese and stir to combine.
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Once the mixture is smooth, add it to the pan with the remaining broth mixture and whisk until smooth and creamy. Add chopped basil and lemon juice and stir to combine.
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Taste sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. (Lemon lovers can also squeeze in extra lemon juice at this point.)
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When pasta is just about done, add zucchini strips to pot (so they’re cooking with the pasta). Boil for about 2 minutes, or until tender.
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Drain zucchini and pasta and combine with sauce. Gently toss in tomatoes, or simply add them on top of each serving. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 290.88kcal
- Fat: 4.06g
- Saturated Fat: 0.79g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.00g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.79g
- Carbohydrates: 50.65g
- Fiber: 3.52g
- Sugar: 5.99g
- Protein: 13.58g
- Cholesterol: 2.55mg
- Sodium: 634.77mg
- Calcium: 122.71mg
- Potassium: 574.63mg
- Iron: 1.60mg
- Vitamin A: 53.07µg
- Vitamin C: 21.74mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Zucchini Ribbons
When slicing the zucchini into ribbons, use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer for uniform and thin slices. This not only ensures even cooking but also gives the dish a visually appealing look. Additionally, when adding the zucchini to the boiling pasta, make sure to add it towards the end of the pasta's cooking time. This prevents the zucchini from becoming too soft and mushy, maintaining a slight crunch that adds texture to the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Zucchini Pasta Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the zucchini and sauce to save time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize a mandoline slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the zucchini for the recipe.
One-pot cooking: Consider cooking the zucchini and pasta in the same pot to minimize cleanup.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a cluttered workspace and make post-cooking cleanup more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta Recipe
fettuccine - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, adding a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
grape tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute for grape tomatoes, providing a similar sweet and juicy flavor to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder and slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic, providing a mild and sweet flavor to the dish.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
fat-free cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for cream cheese, offering a tangy and creamy texture to the dish.
basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, adding a tangy and acidic element to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta
Elevate the pasta: Gently twirl the fettuccine into a nest shape and place it in the center of the plate. This creates a visually appealing base for the dish.
Layer the zucchini ribbons: Carefully drape the zucchini ribbons over the fettuccine nest, allowing them to cascade elegantly down the sides of the plate.
Arrange the blistered tomatoes: Position the blistered grape tomatoes strategically around the pasta, adding vibrant pops of color and bursts of flavor.
Garnish with fresh basil: Place a few sprigs of fresh basil on top of the pasta, adding a touch of brightness and a delightful aroma to the dish.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish the presentation by drizzling a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the entire dish, adding a luxurious sheen and enhancing the flavors.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zucchini Pasta
- Pot: A large, deep container used for cooking pasta, boiling vegetables, and preparing soups and stews.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and turning food during cooking.
- Microwave-safe bowl: A heat-resistant bowl designed for use in a microwave oven, suitable for heating and cooking various dishes.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, whisking, and mixing various components of a dish.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Zucchini Pasta
- Let the zucchini ribbons and pasta cool completely before storing to prevent the dish from becoming soggy.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store the zucchini ribbons and pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To maintain the best texture, store the tomatoes separately in a small container and add them to the dish when reheating or serving.
- If you plan to freeze the dish, it's best to do so without the zucchini ribbons, as they may become mushy when thawed.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled pasta and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the pasta and sauce for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen pasta and sauce in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed dish in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- Prepare fresh zucchini ribbons and tomatoes to add to the reheated dish for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta
- Reheat the zucchini ribbons and pasta in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- For a crispy texture, reheat the zucchini ribbons and pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or chicken broth to prevent sticking and to revive the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- If you have extra sauce, reheat it separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once warm, toss the reheated zucchini ribbons and pasta with the sauce to coat evenly.
- For a quick and easy lunch, enjoy the leftover zucchini ribbons and pasta cold, straight from the refrigerator. The flavors will have melded together overnight, creating a delicious and refreshing dish.
- Transform your leftovers into a new meal by adding them to a frittata or quiche. Simply whisk together eggs, milk, and your favorite herbs, then fold in the leftover zucchini ribbons and pasta. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake until set and golden brown.
Interesting Fact About Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta
The zucchini ribbons and pasta recipe is a delicious way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your meal. Zucchini is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it adds a lovely texture to the dish. Additionally, the use of fat-free cream cheese in the sauce provides a creamy texture without the added calories. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish while still getting a good dose of vegetables.
Is Making Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta at Home Cost-Effective?
This zucchini ribbons and pasta recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Zucchini and pasta are affordable staples, and the addition of tomatoes, garlic, and basil doesn't significantly increase the cost. The use of low-sodium chicken broth and fat-free cream cheese helps to keep the overall cost down. This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and deliciousness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $12-$15, making it a wallet-friendly option.
Is This Zucchini Pasta Dish Healthy?
This zucchini ribbons and pasta recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. The use of zucchini ribbons in place of some of the pasta helps to reduce the overall carbohydrate content and adds extra fiber and nutrients. The grape tomatoes provide a burst of flavor and additional vitamins, while the garlic and basil offer both taste and potential health benefits. The recipe also uses low-sodium chicken broth and fat-free cream cheese, which helps to keep the sodium and fat content in check.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat or high-protein pasta to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Add more vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to boost the overall nutrient profile
- Replace the chicken broth with a vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly and reduce the sodium content further
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes, to add more flavor without increasing the calorie count
- Use a small amount of high-quality, full-fat cream cheese instead of fat-free, as it may provide better flavor and texture while still keeping the dish relatively light
Editor's Opinion on This Zucchini Pasta Dish
The zucchini ribbons and pasta recipe is a delightful combination of fresh flavors and creamy textures. The use of zucchini ribbons adds a light and refreshing element to the dish, while the burst grape tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, basil, and lemon, ties everything together beautifully. The recipe is well-balanced and offers a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
Why trust this Zucchini Ribbons and Pasta Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh zucchini ribbons, flavorful grape tomatoes, and creamy fat-free cream cheese sauce. The use of basil and lemon juice adds a refreshing and aromatic touch. With a balanced blend of flavors and a simple cooking process, this dish promises to be a delightful addition to any meal. The incorporation of low sodium chicken broth ensures a healthier option without compromising on taste. Trust the harmonious blend of ingredients and the step-by-step instructions to create a satisfying and wholesome meal.
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