Pasta with zucchini

In pasta with zucchini, the diced zucchini is tossed in a quick tomato and garlic sauce. There’s just enough sauce to coat the pasta, and Parmesan is grated over the top when serving. I put it in shallow bowls, adding the Parmesan just before I eat. Prep: 10 minutes. Cook: 23 minutes. Total time: 33 minutes. Serves: 2. About 500 kcal and 18 g protein per serving.
Ingredients
- 2000 ml water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 g pasta
- 1 medium zucchini (250 g)
- 1 garlic clove
- 15 ml olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 60 ml water
- 20 g Parmesan
Preparation
1. Bring 2000 ml of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 10 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until tender but still holding its shape. 2. Peel the zucchini and dice it. Crush the garlic. 3. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan and cook the zucchini with the garlic for 5 minutes, stirring, until the zucchini starts to soften. 4. Add the tomato paste and 60 ml of water. Simmer the sauce for 8 minutes, until it reduces and thickens slightly. 5. Drain the pasta, add it to the sauce and toss. Serve with grated Parmesan.
Notes
Small, firm zucchini are easy to dice and have fewer seeds than a very large one. If yours is large, remove the soft center before cutting, as it can release a lot of water into the sauce. Tomato paste varies in saltiness, so taste the sauce before adding more salt. Don’t rush when draining the pasta: leave it in the colander for a few seconds so it doesn’t carry too much water into the saucepan. Store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. For a gluten-free version, use the same amount of gluten-free pasta and follow the cooking time on the package; the Parmesan means the dish still contains dairy. I serve it while the sauce still coats the pasta well. A simple green salad goes nicely alongside.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grate the zucchini instead of dicing it?
Yes. Grate 250 g of zucchini and cook it for 4-5 minutes before adding the tomato paste.
Which pasta shapes work best?
Penne or fusilli catch the sauce in their ridges and inside. Cook them according to the package instructions, which may be up to 12 minutes.
Can I replace the tomato paste with fresh tomatoes?
Yes, use 100 g of grated tomatoes and let the sauce reduce until it no longer looks watery.
How do I stop the pasta from sticking while it cooks?
Stir it a few times during the first minute after adding it to the water. Use a roomy pot so it has space to boil freely.
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