Description
This creamy zucchini sauce is a delightful and fresh way to enjoy garden zucchini, blended with aromatic herbs and a touch of cream. Perfect served with your favorite dry pasta, this sauce balances the lightness of vegetables with the richness of Romano cheese and cream, making a comforting yet healthy meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces your favorite dry pasta
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 1/2 pounds zucchini
- 1 cup sweet onion, diced (such as Vidalia)
- 4 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped and divided
- 4 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped and divided
- 4 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped and divided
Other Ingredients
- 3/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the zucchini: Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise, removing seeds and ends. Shred them using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor shredder blade, then set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add spices and zucchini: Stir in the red pepper flakes and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Then add the shredded zucchini, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the chopped basil, oregano, and mint. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.
- Simmer the sauce: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the cover, add the heavy cream and the remaining herbs, and heat through. Stir in the grated Romano cheese until melted. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with some of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve: Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta or serve it on the side as preferred. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Removing the zucchini seeds helps reduce bitterness and excess moisture.
- Reserved pasta water is ideal for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic flavor; dried herbs may alter the balance.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
