Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed with shredded zucchini that has been sauteed in butter with garlic, shallots, and chilies. Topped with loads of fresh parmesan and your choice of herbs, Zucchini Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for a family dinner or a meal for one while sitting on the couch with a movie!
450gramspasta,cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of the pasta water)
2tablespoonsolive oil
4clovesgarlic,minced
2-3wholeshallots,finely chopped
1/2teaspoondried red chili flakes
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonground black pepper
1/2teaspoondried thyme
1tablespoonsalted butter
2largezucchini,shredded and squeezed (see post for details)
1cupparmesan cheese,grated
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package, but undercook it just slightly. It will cook further when added to the sauce. Drain well, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the olive oil and shallots. Saute the shallots for 2-4 minutes until just cooked.
Add in the garlic and dried red chili flakes, if using. Stir into the onions and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add the salt, ground black pepper, dried thyme, and butter. Stir to combine until the butter is fully melted.
Next, add in the zucchini and stir. Cook the zucchini for 3-5 minutes.
Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss to coat. Add half of the parmesan and toss to incorporate.
At this point, add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water at a time, mixing well between each addition until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. You may not use all of the reserved pasta water, depending on your preference.
Plate the pasta and top with the remaining parmesan and garnish with your choice of fresh herbs. Fresh thyme is a great choice, along with parsley. Fresh basil leaves are also a great addition.