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Italian Zucchini Sauce

Creamy Italian Zucchini Sauce You'll Crave Every Bite

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Italian Zucchini Sauce is a vibrant and healthy twist on traditional pasta sauces, bursting with flavor and nutrients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Dry Pasta Any type works well
For the Sauce
  • 2 medium Zucchini No peeling necessary
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Can reduce for a lighter version
  • 1 medium Sweet Onion (Vidalia) Yellow onion is a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
  • 2 cloves Minced Fresh Garlic Use fresh for best results
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to suit your palate
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust to suit your palate
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Basil Dried herbs can be substituted
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Oregano Dried herbs can be substituted
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Mint Dried herbs can be substituted
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream Plant-based cream can be used
  • 0.5 cup Romano Cheese Parmesan or nutritional yeast work as alternatives

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Box Grater
  • Large skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add dry pasta, cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini: Trim ends of two medium zucchinis and slice in half. Shred zucchini using a box grater for a fine texture.
  3. Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced sweet onion, sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in crushed red pepper and minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, until garlic is fragrant.
  5. Incorporate Zucchini and Herbs: Add shredded zucchini with salt, pepper, and half of the fresh herbs. Stir and simmer for 15 minutes until zucchini is tender.
  6. Creamy Finish: Pour in heavy cream and stir in remaining herbs. Let the sauce heat through for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add Cheese and Adjust Consistency: Stir in Romano cheese until melted. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust thickness.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This sauce is meal prep-friendly and can be stored for later use. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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