Creamy Garlic Lemon Zucchini Pasta
Creamy Garlic Lemon Zucchini Pasta is a fresh and flavorful way to use up extra zucchini. The zucchini cooks down with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan to create a creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It is an easy summer dinner that feels special but comes together with simple ingredients!
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 495kcal
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 ounces) cavatappi pasta
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for serving
- 2 pounds zucchini, about 3 large or 4 medium, grated on the large holes of a box grater
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional, for heat
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened, cubed
- ¾ cup (75 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, from about 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, from about 1 large lemon
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the grated zucchini, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the zucchini releases its liquid, the liquid cooks off, and the zucchini becomes soft and concentrated. It should begin to stick slightly to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss until well combined. Add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency and coats the noodles. (I used most of the pasta water.) Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portion | Calories: 495kcal