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Easy Creamy Tomato Zucchini Pasta

creamy tomato zucchini pasta - featured image
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A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring zucchini ribbons in a creamy tomato sauce made with cream cheese and milk, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin ribbons or half-moons
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare the zucchini ribbons using a vegetable peeler or knife to slice into long, thin ribbons or half-moons. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add 4 ounces (115 grams) softened cream cheese in chunks, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Pour in ½ cup (120 ml) milk to loosen the sauce, stirring to combine. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss in chopped fresh basil leaves.
  7. Add the zucchini ribbons to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm.
  8. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors. Add more pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook zucchini to keep slight firmness and texture contrast. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Softened cream cheese blends best at room temperature. Salt pasta water generously for better flavor. Variations include dairy-free, protein additions, and low-carb options.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, zucchini pasta, easy weeknight dinner, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://larameals.com/easy-creamy-tomato-zucchini-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-weeknight-meals/