Garlicky Zucchini Spaghetti Delight
Indulge in this simple yet flavorful Garlicky Zucchini Spaghetti Delight, a perfect dish for a light dinner or a lunch packed with taste. This recipe combines fresh zucchini with aromatic garlic, tossed with al dente spaghetti and finished with a sprinkle of cheese for added richness. Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it's also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while satisfying your pasta cravings. Ideal for busy weeknights or as a delightful dish to share with friends and family. Enjoy the comforting deliciousness!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 (shredded)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Garlic
4 cloves (chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Spaghetti
1 lb (cooked al dente)
Grated Parmigiano or Romano Cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Gather all your ingredients, and start by preparing the zucchini. Place 2 or 3 layers of paper towels on a clean work surface.
2
Using a box grater, shred the zucchini while holding it at an angle. This helps to get longer strands and minimizes water release.
3
Next, heat a large skillet over moderate heat and pour in the extra virgin olive oil.
4
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic, allowing it to sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it brown.
5
Add the shredded zucchini to the skillet and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6
Sauté the zucchini for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and lightly caramelizes.
7
While the zucchini is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
8
Adding the hot, drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sautéed zucchini and garlic. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are coated with the oil and combined well.
9
If desired, splash a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
10
Stir in a couple of handfuls of grated cheese, tossing again until well distributed. Add more cheese if you like!
11
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlicky Zucchini Spaghetti Delight?
It is a simple, flavorful pasta dish combining fresh zucchini, aromatic garlic, and al dente spaghetti finished with cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many zucchini are required for this recipe?
You will need 2 zucchini for this dish.
How should I prepare the zucchini for the spaghetti?
The zucchini should be shredded using a box grater held at an angle to get longer strands.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of chopped garlic.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it is fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
How long do I cook the shredded zucchini?
The zucchini should be sautéed for about 7 to 10 minutes until it softens and lightly caramelizes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a vegetarian pasta meal.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spaghetti, cooked al dente.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
The recipe recommends 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano or Romano cheese.
How much cheese should be used?
Use 1/2 cup of grated cheese, though you can add more if you like.
Why should I reserve some pasta water?
A splash of reserved pasta water helps the garlic and oil sauce adhere better to the noodles.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over moderate heat and add the zucchini once the garlic is fragrant, usually after 1-2 minutes.
What is the purpose of using paper towels during preparation?
Paper towels are used on the work surface while shredding to help manage the moisture release from the zucchini.
Should I peel the zucchini?
The instructions suggest shredding the zucchini as is, so peeling is not necessary.
How do I season the dish?
Season the zucchini with salt and freshly ground black pepper while it sautés, and adjust again before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a quick meal and is ideal for busy weeknights.
How do I know when the zucchini is done?
The zucchini is ready when it has softened and developed a light caramelization.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
While 4 fresh cloves are recommended for the best flavor, jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over moderate heat.
When do I add the spaghetti to the zucchini?
Add the hot, drained spaghetti directly to the skillet once the zucchini and garlic are finished sautéing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 7 main ingredients: zucchini, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, spaghetti, and cheese.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with a gluten-free alternative of your choice.
Does the recipe use fresh pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for freshly ground black pepper.
How do I get long strands of zucchini?
Holding the zucchini at an angle while using the box grater helps produce longer shredded strands.
What should I do if the pasta seems too dry?
Add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to help emulsify the oil and coat the noodles.
Can I add other toppings?
While the recipe focuses on zucchini and cheese, you can add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish should be served immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.