Zucchini and Tomato Medley Pasta Sauce
This delightful Zucchini and Tomato Medley Pasta Sauce combines the freshness of garden vegetables with aromatic Italian herbs, making it a perfect topping for your favorite pasta. Inspired by a recipe from Penzeys One magazine, this sauce is light yet vibrant, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. The sautéed onions and zucchini create a flavorful base, while the fresh tomatoes add a rich, succulent quality. Whether you're looking for a hearty vegetarian option or a quick weeknight meal, this sauce is sure to please everyone at the table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
zucchini
1-2 medium (sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds)
fresh tomatoes
2 large (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons (preferably Penzeys Tuscan Sunset)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2
Add the chopped onion to the skillet, cover it, and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
3
Remove the cover, then add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the zucchini begins to soften.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and the tomatoes have released their juices.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
6
Serve the sauce over cooked pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zucchini and Tomato Medley Pasta Sauce?
This is a light and vibrant pasta sauce that combines fresh garden vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes with aromatic Italian herbs.
What are the main ingredients needed for this sauce?
The main ingredients include onion, olive oil, zucchini, fresh tomatoes, sugar, Italian seasoning, and optional Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Is this pasta sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
How should I prepare the onion?
You should use one medium onion and chop it before cooking.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
The onions should be cooked covered for 5-10 minutes until they are translucent.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be sliced into rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick.
How long should I sauté the zucchini?
Sauté the zucchini for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
How many zucchinis are required for the recipe?
You will need 1 to 2 medium-sized zucchinis.
How should the fresh tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and chopped before being added to the sauce.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 large fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
Why is sugar added to the sauce?
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon) is added to help balance the acidity of the fresh tomatoes.
What specific Italian seasoning is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, preferably Penzeys Tuscan Sunset.
How long do the tomatoes cook in the skillet?
Once added, the tomatoes should cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until they release their juices.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste after the sauce has finished cooking and before removing it from the heat.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as healthy and uses fresh vegetables and olive oil.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, the sauce itself is vegan; simply omit the optional Parmesan cheese topping to keep it vegan-friendly.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This sauce was inspired by a recipe found in Penzeys One magazine.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in this recipe.
Do I need to cover the skillet during the whole process?
No, you only cover the skillet while cooking the onions. The cover is removed before adding the zucchini.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Start by heating the olive oil over medium-low heat.
Is this a good recipe for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as a quick weeknight meal that is easy to prepare.
Can I use different seasonings if I don't have Penzeys?
Yes, while Penzeys Tuscan Sunset is suggested, any quality Italian seasoning blend will work.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
The onions are ready when they have become translucent, which usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Should the zucchini be peeled?
The recipe does not require peeling the zucchini; simply slice it into rounds.
What should the final texture of the sauce be?
The sauce should be light and vibrant with softened vegetables and succulent juices from the tomatoes.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes are recommended for their natural flavor, canned tomatoes could be substituted in a pinch, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
Is there a specific amount of Parmesan cheese to use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese as an optional topping.