Summer Zucchini Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized zucchini, spiralized or julienned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the zucchini: a. Wash the zucchini and trim the ends. b. Using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler, cut the zucchini into long, thin noodle-like strands. Alternatively, you can use a knife to thinly slice the zucchini into long, thin strips. c. Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and set aside.

2. Cook the garlic and tomatoes: a. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. b. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. c. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.

3. Assemble the dish: a. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes. b. Toss the zucchini noodles with the garlic and tomatoes, using tongs or a pair of kitchen tongs, until the zucchini is lightly cooked, about 3-5 minutes. c. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

4. Serve and enjoy: a. Transfer the summer zucchini pasta to serving plates or bowls. b. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. c. Serve immediately while the zucchini noodles are still warm and slightly al dente.

Cook’s Note:

• For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk to the skillet after the zucchini noodles have been added.
• If you prefer a more cooked texture for the zucchini noodles, you can sauté them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
• This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
• For a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese.
• This recipe is gluten-free, low-carb, and vegetarian (or vegan if you omit the Parmesan cheese).

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