Lemon Butter Pasta & Veggies

This vibrant Lemon Butter Pasta with Veggies is a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. It features tender pasta, sautéed zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a bright, tangy lemon-butter sauce. It's an easy, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or when you're craving something fresh and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Fresh & Light – Packed with zucchini, tomatoes, and lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Customizable – Easily swap out veggies or add protein for a heartier dish.
• Vegetarian-Friendly – A satisfying meatless meal that’s full of flavor.
• Minimal Ingredients – Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Dry short pasta (fusilli, cavatappi, or gemelli)
• Olive oil
• Zucchini or yellow squash
• Cherry or grape tomatoes
• Kosher salt & black pepper
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic
• Lemon zest & lemon juice
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than al dente (about 8 minutes or according to package instructions).
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Cook the Vegetables:

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the zucchini or yellow squash, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the tomatoes release their juices.

Make the Sauce:

1. Add the butter, garlic, and lemon zest to the skillet.
2. Cook for about 1 minute until the butter melts and becomes fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Return the skillet to medium heat.
2. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water.
3. Toss to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.

Finish and Serve:

1. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Serve warm with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add Protein – Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
• Make it Creamy – Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a richer sauce.
• Go Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
• Extra Greens – Toss in spinach or arugula for added nutrients.
• Spice it Up – Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the fresh vegetables may become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

How can I prevent my pasta from sticking together?

Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil if you’re not adding it to the sauce immediately.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

What other vegetables can I use?

Bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms would be great additions.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, cook the pasta and veggies separately and combine when ready to serve.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Short pasta like fusilli, cavatappi, or gemelli works best because it holds onto the sauce well.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil if needed.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese.

Can I add a protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions.

How do I keep my zucchini from getting mushy?

Cook it just until tender, about 4-5 minutes, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just use a larger skillet and adjust the pasta water accordingly to ensure the sauce coats everything evenly.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Pasta with Veggies is a quick, fresh, and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. With its bright flavors, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this meal is sure to become a go-to favorite. Serve it as a light dinner or a side dish, and enjoy the perfect blend of citrusy butter sauce, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables.

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Lemon Butter Pasta & Veggies

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• Author: Emmily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Butter Pasta with Veggies is a light and fresh dish, packed with tender pasta, sautéed zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something vibrant and flavorful. Customize it by adding protein or other vegetables for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal.

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Ingredients

Ingredients:

• Dry short pasta (fusilli, cavatappi, or gemelli)
• Olive oil
• Zucchini or yellow squash
• Cherry or grape tomatoes
• Kosher salt & black pepper
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic
• Lemon zest & lemon juice
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than al dente (about 8 minutes or as per package instructions). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini or yellow squash, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and tomatoes release juices.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Add butter, garlic, and lemon zest to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until the butter melts and becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

• You can add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish.
• For a creamy version, add heavy cream or ricotta cheese to the sauce.
• To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
• Add spinach or arugula for extra greens and nutrients.
• For a bit of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian