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.
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)
Instructions
Instructions:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
