This penne with zucchini recipe is a bright fresh plant-based pasta, tossed in a simple sauce with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. A delicious main course or side dish that is ready with just 30 minutes of cooking time.
This vegetarian zucchini pasta is a perfect way to use up extra squash. Serve this pasta with easy homemade garlic knots and a big spinach salad for a complete meal.
If you have a lot of zucchini squash on your hands, and need a delicious recipe to cook them in, this pasta is for you! Fresh zucchini are cut into matchsticks, and sauteed in a delicious butter, garlic, and olive oil sauce until tender. Toss with penne, and dinner is served.
It’s September and we are still getting fresh zucchini from our garden this year! We normally grill them up, or add to soups or stews, but I wanted to highlight them with this delicious dinner.
I got the idea for this recipe after thumbing through the Noodles Galore cookbook, which I picked up in an auction. I added a few extra spices and ingredients, and it came out fantastic.
The zucchini was sweet after being sauteed in butter and olive oil. Each bite was like a buttery taste of summer.
This Penne with Zucchini Recipe Is
- Bright
- Fresh
- Simple
- Ready in 30 Minutes
- Vegetarian
- Satisfying
- Great as a Main Course or Side Dish
Make Zucchini Pasta Vegetarian for a Healthy Version
This vegetarian penne with zucchini pasta is a simple way to get extra veggies in your diet. I’m all about making recipes plant-based when I can. Vegetarian cooking does NOT have to be bland, boring, or flavorless… It’s quite the opposite when done right. By building meals around vegetarian pantry staples and swapping in a few plant-based ingredients you can make healthier meals for you and your family.
I made a list of my 125 favorite vegan pantry ingredients that we use on a weekly basis, and check out all my vegetarian recipes here that are on The Herbeevore. These easy and healthy recipes are fantastic meatless meals for your table.
What’s In This Zucchini Squash and Penne Pasta Recipe?
I stock up on organic produce with Misfits Market – they have a fantastic selection of in-season fruits & veggies, healthy pantry items, and great food finds for a fraction of grocery store prices! You can get $10 off your first $30 box by clicking here!
- Zucchini, or summer squash
- Penne Pasta – I used a regular penne for this recipe. You can use a whole wheat version, chickpea penne, or even gluten free as needed.
- Butter – I like to use unsalted butter to reduce the amount of sodium in my cooking.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like to use this fruity olive oil which has a fantastic flavor and deep color- it’s inexpensive & I like to keep a few liters stocked up in my pantry. For the quality of oil you get, it’s an excellent value.
- Garlic
- Thyme – I used fresh thyme as we have it growing on our property, but this dried thyme would be a perfect substitute – only use 1 teaspoon if using dried.
- Fresh Basil
- Parmesan Cheese – gives that extra bit of flavor and richness to this dish. Whether you use a sharp real cheese parmesan, or a vegan version, adding a little extra into the sauce (and for garnish) makes this dish delish.
- Salt
How Do I Make Zucchini Squash Penne Pasta?
- Wash zucchini and trim ends. Slice zucchini into matchsticks. Place on a baking sheet or plate covered with a paper towel. Salt the zucchini, and allow zucchini to rest for 1 hour (resting is optional). Drain off zucchini with paper towel to wick away excess moisture.
- Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, add the butter and olive oil, and heat over medium low heat until butter has melted. Add the garlic and thyme and stir until garlic has browned slightly at the edges. Add the zucchini and toss well to combine. Cook over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes until zucchini is tender.
- Toss pasta with the zucchini sauce. Stir in fresh basil and parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately, sprinkling additional parmesan cheese to garnish.
30 Minute Pastas for Entertaining
This pesto tortellini is what I call an Easy Entertaining Recipe – which is on your table in about 30 minutes. These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those last-minute dinner party invites, or when you just want a healthy home cooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
I have a whole section of The Herbeevore dedicated to Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a healthy meal can be on your table in no time. Just as fast as grabbing a quick prepared side from the store (and way more impressive too)!
If you’re heading to a party, potluck, or BBQ, check out my list of top host gifts for summer entertaining for that next-level gift your host will love!
More Vegetarian Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love!
Arugula Frittata with Zucchini & Caramelized Onions
Creamy Zucchini Rice Soup Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe (Vegetarian, Holiday Side Dish)
White Pasta Fagioli With Spinach Recipe (Vegetarian)
Veggie Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe (Vegetarian/Vegan)
Get the Same Ingredients for this Penne with Zucchini Recipe
As always, if you make this vegetarian and meat free penne with zucchini recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you. I love seeing all your photos of my recipes!
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Penne with Zucchini
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash zucchini and trim ends. Slice zucchini into matchsticks. Place on a baking sheet or plate covered with a paper towel. Salt the zucchini, and allow zucchini to rest for 1 hour (resting is optional). Drain off zucchini with paper towel to wick away excess moisture.
- Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, add the butter and olive oil, and heat over medium low heat until butter has melted. Add the garlic and thyme and stir until garlic has browned slightly at the edges. Add the zucchini and toss well to combine. Cook over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes until zucchini is tender.
- Toss pasta with the zucchini sauce. Stir in fresh basil and parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately, sprinkling additional parmesan cheese to garnish.
Video
Notes
Save Money on Fresh Groceries & Pantry Staples!
I get all the fresh produce for my recipes from my garden and from Misfits Market - they sell produce & pantry staples (even wine!) at a super discounted price. We get Misfit Market boxes every month and love picking out our favorite seasonal produce for delivery. You can get $10 off your first $30 box by clicking here! Give Misfits Market a look if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it!Nutrition
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Another glorious pasta dish