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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian Recipes

    Creamy Penne with Zucchini

    Published: Jul 6, 2012 · Modified: Feb 1, 2023 by Samantha Ferraro · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    We have the nicest neighbors. They gave us an abundance of fresh produce out of their garden yesterday. The tomatoes will be coming up next week so today I am showcasing these little green cuties.

    Since today is Friday, I would usually be showing off my latest Julia Child project. Of course July 4th took the best of me and I had enough sugar and meat for the next year.

    So, I am sorry Julia. I hope you forgive me. I will honor you next week with butter and heavy cream, I'm sure.  Instead, today we have a creamy and healthy pasta dish with shaved home-grown zucchinis. Simple, healthy and flavorful. Exactly what I was looking for last night.

    Method:

    1) Begin by boiling a large pot of water for your pasta. Salt water and cook pasta for desired time.

    2) In a separate skillet, saute garlic and red pepper in olive oil for a few minutes until it starts to golden.

    3) Add sliced zucchini and season with salt and pepper. Saute for another few minutes until the zucchini begin to color. The thinner they are, the faster it will cook.

    4) When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about a ½c of pasta water (if need for a thinner consistency). Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet as well as the mascapone+lemon zest and fresh Parmesan. Turn heat off and toss to combine.

    Zucchini with Creamy Penne

    Samantha Ferraro

    LittleFerraroKitchen.com

    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 668 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ½ lb whole wheat penne
    • ½ c mascapone + 1 teaspoon lemon zest mixed together
    • 2 small or 1 large zucchini sliced very thin I used a mandolin at #3 setting
    • 1-2 garlic cloves chopped
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • Freshly grated Parmesan
    • Olive oil for drizzling
    • Salt and pepper to taste
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    Instructions
     

    • Begin by boiling a large pot of water for your pasta. Salt water and cook pasta for desired time.
    • In a separate skillet, saute garlic and red pepper in olive oil for a few minutes until it starts to golden.
    • Add sliced zucchini and season with salt and pepper. Saute for another few minutes until the zucchini begin to color. The thinner they are, the faster it will cook.
    • When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about a ½c of pasta water (if need for a thinner consistency). Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet as well as the mascapone+lemon zest and fresh Parmesan. Turn heat off and toss to combine.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 668kcalCarbohydrates: 78gProtein: 20gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 47mgPotassium: 523mgFiber: 10gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1257IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 113mgIron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Let us know by leaving a comment and 5 star rating!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Aggie says

      July 12, 2012 at 5:56 am

      5 stars
      That looks so delicious! I love zucchini in my pasta!

      Reply
    2. Colleen, The Smart Cookie Cook says

      July 06, 2012 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      Well, it's safe to say I'm drooling over this dish. Between the mascarpone, the zucchini, and hello, the pasta, there is a boat load of good stuff going on!

      Reply
    3. Renee says

      July 06, 2012 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      I just got some zucchini from the farmers market and this looks like a great side dish to make with it. Yummy!

      Reply

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