Print

Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Best Weeknight Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a quick, vegetable-packed dish with fresh summer tomatoes, tender zucchini, and fusilli pasta, all tossed in a flavorful sauce and topped with parmesan. It’s perfect for busy evenings and is easy to customize.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Boiling, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

8 oz fusilli pasta

2 medium green zucchinis, diced

2 cups whole cherry tomatoes

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp fennel seed

1/4 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish

1/2 tsp crushed chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden on the edges and tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes, black pepper, fennel seed, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and vegetable broth. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly, until the tomatoes burst and soften.
  4. Push the tomatoes to one side of the skillet, then add the cooked zucchini, fusilli pasta, and grated parmesan. Stir to combine, reheat gently for 2-3 minutes, adding more broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Optionally, add crushed chili flakes for extra heat. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use other pasta types like penne, rotini, or bow ties, or even swap for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
  • Add spinach, bell peppers, or eggplant for more vegetables.
  • For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/best-weeknight-tomato-zucchini-pasta/