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Light Summer Squash Pasta

Light Summer Squash Pasta: A Fresh, Flavorful Weeknight Delight

Light Summer Squash Pasta is a delightful and quick vegetarian dish that celebrates summer's bounty in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta De Cecco recommended
For the Sauté
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adds richness
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced
  • 1 Summer Squash Sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 Zucchini Sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground
For Flavor Enhancement
  • 1.5 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Provides acidity
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest Increases lemon flavor
  • 2 oz Creamy Goat Cheese Can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional
For the Finishing Touches
  • 3 tbsp Toasted Pine Nuts Provide crunch and nutty flavor
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Chiffonade
  • 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese Optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, which should take about 10 minutes.
  2. While the water heats, prepare your ingredients. Mince the garlic, slice the summer squash and zucchini, and zest and juice your lemon.
  3. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
  5. Add the sliced summer squash and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
  6. Season the vegetables with kosher salt and black pepper, then lower the heat and stir gently.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and toss together over low heat.
  8. Pour in the lemon juice, add butter and goat cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  9. If the sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Serve hot, garnishing with red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, basil, and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Enjoy leftovers cold in a salad format or reheat gently on the stovetop with added moisture.

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