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Jump to Recipe Watch Video PrintThis 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
What’s In This Zucchini Squash and Penne Pasta Recipe?
See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!
- 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. You can use a plant-based butter too, if desired.
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Thyme – I used fresh thyme as we have it growing on our property, but 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 & Black Pepper
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 yummy 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 quick 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)!
More Zucchini Recipes You May Enjoy
- Arugula Frittata with Zucchini & Caramelized Onions
- Creamy Zucchini Rice Soup Recipe
- Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe
- White Pasta Fagioli With Spinach Recipe
- Veggie Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe
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Penne with Zucchini
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
- Large Pot
- Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 2 lbs zucchini about 3 medium squash
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 16 ounces penne pasta 1lb, use gluten free if desired
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme if using dried thyme, cut amount to 1 teaspoon
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
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
Nutrition
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Another glorious pasta dish