Creamy zucchini and cherry tomato pasta with lemon

Name: Creamy zucchini and cherry tomato pasta with lemon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 6 oz pasta; 1½ cups zucchini, diced or sliced; 14 cherry tomatoes (1 cup halved); 2 tbsp cream cheese; Onion to taste; Fresh basil to taste; Grated organic lemon zest to taste; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Olive oil to taste

vote now

Main Dish

Very Easy

20 min

468 Kcal

Creamy pasta with zucchini, cherry tomatoes and lemon is a fresh, colorful first course that’s perfect for summer. Zucchini bring sweetness and lightness, fresh cherry tomatoes add a juicy Mediterranean touch, and cream cheese creates a velvety sauce that coats every bite. A hint of lemon zest adds freshness and aroma without overpowering the dish, while basil enhances its sunny flavor. Simple, fragrant and creamy just right, this summer pasta is an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Materials

Pot
Frying pan
Knife
Cutting board

Preparation

Preparation5 min

Cook time15 min

Wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and cut it into thin slices, then into strips.
Heat some finely chopped onion in a skillet and add the zucchini. Then cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cherry tomatoes, cut in half, and a few basil leaves. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring often and crushing a few cherry tomatoes to release their juice. Season with pepper.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta al dente in plenty of salted water.
When the pasta is ready, drain it directly into the pan with the sauce, making sure to set aside a little of the pasta water.
Add the cream cheese.
Stir well over medium-low heat, using a little of the cooking liquid to adjust the consistency. Then add the grated lemon zest and stir again.
The creamy pasta with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cream cheese, and lemon is ready!

Rate this recipe

Excellent !!! Very good Good so so Not good

FAQ ❓

What makes this creamy zucchini pasta special?

Fresh zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and lemon zest create a light, creamy pasta with a fresh and vibrant flavor.

Can you use a substitute for cream cheese?

Yes, ricotta, mascarpone, or dairy-free cream cheese are great alternatives that provide a similar creamy texture.

How can you add more flavor to this pasta dish?

Fresh basil, parsley, grated Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor.

What is the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or other short pasta shapes work well because they hold the sauce and vegetables beautifully.

Can you make creamy zucchini pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition

for 1 serving / for 100 g

Calories: 468Kcal

Carbo: 64.5g
Total fat: 12.9g
Saturated fat: 3.6g
Proteins: 17.9g
Fibers: 5.6g
Sugar: 8.6g
ProPoints: 12
SmartPoints: 14

Nutritional information for 1 serving (287g)

Cookware

burner

Attributes

Keep refrigerated

PetitChef_Official

Questions

Photos of members who cooked this recipe

Post your photo of this recipe

Daniele Mainieri

Every day I immerse myself in the world of cooking, looking for new recipes and flavors to share: from grandma's dish to the latest food trends. I have been working in food communication for over 10 years!

Comments

Rate this recipe:

Excellent !!! Very good Good so so Not good