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30 Minutes or Less

Cottage Cheese Vodka Pasta

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cottage cheese vodka pasta in a skillet with a spoon.

Vodka pasta is one of those recipes that feels like a special occasion meal but comes together on a weeknight in under 30 minutes – and this version just got a serious upgrade! This cottage cheese pasta takes the classic vodka sauce and swaps in blended cottage cheese for the heavy cream, giving you all the silky, rich, tomato-y creaminess you love at a fraction of the calories and with a whole lot more protein. The sauce is velvety smooth, deeply savory, and clings to every strand of pasta beautifully. My toddler clears his bowl every single time, and honestly, so do I!

Just like my Cottage Cheese Alfredo and Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust, the secret is blending the cottage cheese completely smooth before it ever hits the pan – so there’s not a single curd in sight and nobody at your table is any the wiser. What you’re left with is a healthy, high-protein pasta dinner that tastes indulgent, comes together in one pan, and is genuinely loved by the whole family – even the pickiest eaters!

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Vodka Pasta

  • Higher in protein and lighter than classic vodka pasta. Traditional vodka sauce is made with heavy cream. This version swaps it for blended cottage cheese, which delivers a creamy, luxurious texture with significantly more protein and fewer calories per serving.
  • Tastes just like the real thing. The blended cottage cheese disappears completely into the sauce. What you’re left with is a rich, creamy, tangy vodka sauce that is genuinely indistinguishable from the classic – nobody will ever guess the secret ingredient.
  • Even picky eaters love it. My toddler is obsessed with this pasta, which is basically the highest endorsement a recipe can get! The sauce is mild, creamy, and comforting — all the things that make pasta so universally beloved.
  • Easy enough for a weeknight. One blender, one pan, one pot of pasta. The whole dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes, which makes this a regular in our weekly dinner rotation.
  • Healthy and wholesome. Made with real, simple ingredients – no heavy cream, no processed anything – just a genuinely nutritious dinner that the whole family will LOVE.
overhead image of cottage cheese vodka pasta in a large skillet.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Pasta: Any shape you love works here! Short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are classic for vodka sauce, but spaghetti, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta all pair beautifully.
  • Vodka: Not a fan of cooking with alcohol? Swap for ¼ cup of chicken broth or vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious!
  • Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian turkey sausage to turn this into an even heartier meal.
  • Add Vegetables: Toss in a big handful of fresh spinach at the end (it will wilt quickly in the hot sauce), or stir in roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Make it Spicier: Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier sauce that really brings the heat.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the parmesan for a vegan parmesan alternative and use a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Blend the cottage cheese with the pasta water. The starchy pasta water doesn’t just help the texture; it also helps the blended cottage cheese emulsify smoothly into the tomato sauce without curdling or separating. Don’t skip the pasta water step!
  • Blend until completely, completely smooth. Any remaining curds from the cottage cheese will be visible in the final sauce. Take a full 60 seconds on high speed, scraping down the sides as needed. A high-speed blender gives the silkiest result.
  • Don’t skip caramelizing the tomato paste. Cooking the tomato paste in the pan for a few minutes before adding the vodka deepens the flavor significantly. You’ll notice it darkens slightly in color – that’s exactly what you want. This step takes less than 3 minutes but makes a huge difference.
  • Reserve more pasta water than you think you need. I always reserve at least 1 full cup, even though the recipe only calls for 1/2 cup. You may need extra to loosen the sauce when adding the pasta, and pasta water is the best way to do it without diluting the flavor.
  • Serve immediately. Like most pasta dishes, this is best eaten right away while the sauce is hot and silky. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so don’t let it linger too long before serving!
  • Leftovers tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, water, or broth to loosen the sauce back up.
cottage cheese vodka pasta in a skillet with a spoon.
5 from 1 vote

Cottage Cheese Vodka Pasta

This cottage cheese vodka pasta is a lighter, higher-protein twist on the classic – made with blended cottage cheese instead of heavy cream for a silky, rich, restaurant-worthy sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes! The cottage cheese disappears completely into the tomato vodka base, giving you all the creamy indulgence of the original with significantly more protein and fewer calories per serving. If you're looking for an easy healthier pasta recipe that the whole family will love (even the pickiest eaters) this is the one to make tonight!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 blender or food processor
  • 1 large pot
  • 1 large skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta I used gluten-free
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup vodka or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  • Blend cottage cheese and reserved pasta water until completely smooth. Set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
  • Add tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly caramelized.
  • Add vodka and cook for 2–3 minutes until mostly cooked off.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add blended cottage cheese, salt, red pepper flakes, and parmesan. Stir and cook 3–5 minutes until smooth and heated through.
  • Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
  • Serve immediately with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g
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30 Minutes or Less

Alfredo Sauce with Cottage Cheese

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close up image of cottage cheese alfredo in a skillet with fresh parsley on top.

My favorite food has always been and always will be pasta. But since going gluten-free and trying to eat healthier for the last 8ish years, there were a few pasta dishes I had to take a break from, and a classic alfredo sauce was one of them. That is until, I came up with this cottage cheese-based alfredo sauce! It’s just as rich, creamy, and flavorful as a classic alfredo but lighter, healthier, and much higher in protein (nearly 30g protein per serving!). This is totally one of those recipes you can make for those people in your life who claim eating “healthy” can’t taste good. Honestly, I’ve fed this alfredo sauce to both my toddler and husband many times and neither has any clue it’s made with cottage cheese (ha!).

And if you give this cottage cheese alfredo a try, use up any extra cottage cheese and make either my cottage cheese cookie dough or cottage cheese brownie batter for dessert. Both are quick, healthy, and totallyyyy delicious – and just like this sauce, ya can’t even taste the cottage cheese!

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Alfredo

  • It tastes just like the real thing. The cottage cheese blends into a completely smooth, creamy sauce that’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. Nobody at your table will know it’s a healthier version – I promise!
  • Higher in protein and lower in calories. Traditional Alfredo is made with heavy cream and loads of butter. This version swaps both for cottage cheese, which delivers a creamy texture with significantly more protein and fewer calories per serving.
  • Quick and easy. Blend, heat, toss, serve. This entire dinner comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish – making it the perfect easy weeknight meal.
  • Family-friendly. Even picky eaters love this one. The sauce is mild, creamy, and comforting – all the things that make Alfredo so universally beloved, with none of the heaviness.
  • Customizable. This sauce is a blank canvas. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, roasted vegetables, or keep it simple with just pasta. There are endless ways to make it your own!
cottage cheese alfredo in a bowl with a fork and a spoon.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Add Protein: Turn this into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy salmon on top. The sauce also pairs beautifully with Italian turkey sausage stirred right in.
  • Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap the fettucine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is already naturally gluten-free!
  • Pasta Shape: Fettucine is classic, but this sauce works with any pasta shape – linguine, penne, rigatoni, or even gnocchi. Use whatever you love!
  • Milk: Any milk works. Dairy milk gives the richest result; oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk are all great non-dairy options.
  • Extra Garlic: Add 1–2 cloves of fresh minced garlic to the skillet as the sauce heats for an even more garlicky, aromatic sauce.
  • Spicy Alfredo: Add ½–1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes directly into the sauce while it heats for a spicy kick throughout every bite.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Blend until completely, completely smooth. I can’t stress this enough. If there are any curds left in the sauce, it will not have that silky, restaurant-quality texture. Blend on high for a full minute, scraping down the sides as needed. A high-speed blender gives the best results.
  • Reserve your pasta water before draining. Pasta water is liquid gold for this recipe. The starch it contains helps the sauce cling to the noodles and is the easiest way to thin out a sauce that’s gotten too thick. Set aside at least ½ cup – you might need more.
  • Whisk the sauce constantly as it heats. This sauce thickens as it cooks. Keep whisking so it heats evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan or get lumpy.
  • Keep the heat at medium – not high! Dairy-based sauces can seize up or curdle if the heat is too aggressive. A medium flame keeps the sauce smooth and glossy without any risk of the cottage cheese breaking.
  • Season generously. Cottage cheese has a mild flavor on its own, so don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed – it should taste well-seasoned and savory.
  • Serve immediately. Alfredo sauce thickens significantly as it cools and sits. This dish is at its very best right out of the skillet, so get it to the table quickly! If you need to reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk or pasta water and stir over low heat until loosened.
close up image of cottage cheese alfredo in a skillet with fresh parsley on top.
5 from 2 votes

Alfredo Sauce with Cottage Cheese

This cottage cheese Alfredo is a rich, creamy, restaurant-worthy pasta dish made with blended cottage cheese instead of heavy cream! It delivers all the flavor of classic Alfredo with more protein and fewer calories. The sauce comes together in just 20 minutes and tastes SO good that no one will ever guess how much healthier it is. It's an easy, healthy pasta recipe the whole family will love – make it tonight!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 blender or food processor

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound fettucine
  • fresh chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

  • Cook fettucine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  • Blend the cottage cheese, milk, parmesan, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
  • Transfer the sauce to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook 8–10 minutes, whisking frequently, until thickened.
  • Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed to thin. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.

Notes

  • Blend the sauce until completely smooth — no curds remaining — for the creamiest texture.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining; use it to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • Keep the heat at medium and whisk constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking or seizing.
  • Serve immediately — Alfredo sauce thickens as it sits. Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk over low heat.
  • Do not freeze — dairy-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g
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30 Minutes or Less

High Protein Pesto Pasta (dairy-free!)

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overhead image of protein pesto pasta in a skillet with fresh basil on top.

I’m always trying to find ways to sneak extra protein into my toddler’s diet. He’s a carb lover (who isn’t?!) and while my 6-ingredient protein muffins and healthy chia protein pudding have been a huge hit with him during snack time, I wanted to make sure he gets extra protein in at dinner time too. This high protein pesto pasta is a sneaky way to pack in tons of extra protein without my toddler… or even my husband, noticing! It’s creamy, fresh, totally delicious, and contains almost 20 grams of protein per serving. Now that’s a major Mom win!

high protein pesto pasta in a bowl with a fork.

Why You’ll Love This Protein Pesto

  • Protein-Packed: Each serving delivers a solid protein boost from tofu and cashews – unlike traditional pesto.
  • One-Pot & Quick: Blend the pesto while the pasta cooks for a quick and easy meal!
  • Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: No dairy or gluten, with rich and fresh flavor from plant-based ingredients.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Use pine nuts, add spinach, or swap in different pasta shapes – do what you need to make this meal kid-friendly too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tofu can I use?
Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for a creamy, rich texture. Silken tofu will result in a thinner sauce.

Can I freeze this protein pesto?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight then stir well before reheating.

What can I use instead of cashews?
Pine nuts are traditional, but almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds can also add a great flavor and nutty texture.

close up image of high protein pesto pasta twirled around a fork.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Drain tofu thoroughly by pressing it between towels to reduce moisture and enhance creaminess.
  • Use some pasta water to loosen the pesto – it helps it coat the pasta perfectly.
  • Bonus flavor: Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula to the pesto for extra nutrients.
  • Serve suggestion: Top with cherry tomatoes, olives, or a protein garnish like chickpeas.
overhead image of protein pesto pasta in a skillet with fresh basil on top.
5 from 1 vote

High Protein Pesto Pasta (dairy-free!)

This high-protein vegan pesto pasta is a healthy, dairy-free twist on the classic dish – made with tofu, cashews, and fresh basil for a creamy, satisfying sauce! Packed with plant-based protein and tossed with gluten-free pasta, it’s the perfect quick and nourishing weeknight dinner. With just simple ingredients and bold flavor, this protein pesto is a must-try for healthy eaters and pasta lovers!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender
  • 1 large pot

Ingredients

For the protein pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 1 14-ounce package firm tofu drained
  • 1/2 cup unsalted cashews or pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the pasta:

  • 1 12-ounce box pasta I used gluten-free brown rice pasta

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
  • While the pasta cooks, add all protein pesto ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until mostly smooth.
  • Once the pasta is al dente, drain the pasta from the water but reserve about one cup of pasta water.
  • Add the drained pasta back into the pot, add in the protein pesto and toss the pasta together. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add in some of that reserved pasta water until the sauce is to your liking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 30g | Sugar: 2g
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Dairy-Free

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta (vegan!)

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Placing down a bowl of vegan creamy butternut squash pasta.

Hey, pasta lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, creamy, and utterly delightful vegan pasta recipe, you’re in the right place. Our Butternut Squash Pasta is here to dazzle your taste buds and provide that warm hug you crave during chilly evenings. No dairy, no problem – let’s dive into the comforting world of plant-based pasta magic!

fork lifting butternut squash pasta out of a bowl.

What You’ll Need to Make Butternut Squash Pasta

Butternut Squash (with Skin): That’s right, no need to peel off the skin! It’s not only a time-saver but also adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra nutrients. Slice, roast, and blend.

A Whole Head of Garlic: Roasting garlic adds a caramelized, almost sweet flavor to the sauce. Plus, the aroma while it’s roasting is heavenly.

Shallots: These little gems provide a delicate oniony flavor that complements the butternut squash beautifully.

Raw Cashews: Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-healthy. Cashews are the secret to that luscious, dairy-free creaminess.

Pasta of Your Choice: Feel free to pick your favorite pasta shape. Whether you’re into the classic spaghetti or something quirky like fusilli, it’s all about what makes you smile. I used this gluten-free spaghetti, and it was delicious!

close-up image of butternut squash pasta in a bowl.

Tips and Tricks

  • Roast ‘n’ Toast: Roasting the butternut squash and garlic is the superstar move here. The caramelization adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes , and pop ’em in the oven.
  • Add a Splash of Lemon: For an extra layer of flavor and a touch of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your creamy butternut squash sauce. The hint of citrus can brighten up the dish and provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the sauce. Just a little goes a long way, so start with a modest amount and adjust to your taste. It’s a simple twist that can elevate your pasta to a whole new level of deliciousness!
  • Season to Perfection: Don’t forget to season well with salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of nutmeg for that extra warmth. Taste as you go to get it just right.
Placing down a bowl of vegan creamy butternut squash pasta.
No ratings yet

Easy and Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, creamy, and utterly delightful vegan pasta recipe, you’re in the right place. Our Butternut Squash Pasta is here to dazzle your taste buds and provide that warm hug you crave during chilly evenings. No dairy, no problem – let’s dive into the comforting world of plant-based pasta magic!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2-3 cups cubed butternut squash, skin left on or peeled off
  • 1 whole head garlic, peeled
  • 2 shallots, peeled and cut in half
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound pasta
  • 1 cup vegetable broth, or water
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews, unsalted
  • 2-3 fresh sage leaves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit.
  • On a large baking sheet, toss together the cubed butternut squash, peeled garlic cloves from one whole head of garlic, peeled and cut shallots, fresh thyme leaves, olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bake for 30 minutes, or until butternut squash is very soft.
  • Remove baking sheet from oven and let cool slightly. While the squash cools, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add in a big pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • Once butternut squash is slightly cool, add to a blender along with the vegetable broth, raw cashews, and sage. Blend until completely smooth.
  • Right before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and return to the pot along with the butternut squash sauce. Add ¼ cup of pasta water at a time to the pasta to thin out the sauce, as needed.
  • Serve immediately with additional fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal

Interested In More Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Pasta Recipes? Try These!

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30 Minutes or Less

Pasta with Caramelized Zucchini

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close-up overhead image of pasta with caramelized zucchini in a bowl with parsley and parmesan cheese on top.

Fresh, wholesome, and delicious pasta with caramelized zucchini! This super simple pasta recipe requires just a handful of ingredients – many of which you probably already have at home. Throw together this easy and healthy weeknight meal in 30 minutes!

fork and spoon lifting pasta with caramelized zucchini out of a bowl.

What You’ll Need to Make Pasta with Caramelized Zucchini

Olive Oil and Butter – The combination of both olive oil and butter are perfect for caramelizing the zucchini in this recipe. Olive oil prevents the zucchini from sticking to the pan, while butter gives it that irresistibly rich flavor.

Zucchini – Use as much or as little zucchini as you’d like in this recipe! Though remember, the zucchini will cook down a ton while cooking, so it’s better to start with more than you may think you need. Thinly slice your zucchini into about 1/8-inch thick rounds. The thinner you slice the zucchini, the faster it’ll cook and caramelize.

Pasta – I used gluten-free linguini for my pasta with caramelized zucchini, but any pasta will work!

overhead image of pasta with caramelized zucchini on a plate with a fork.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t forget to save some pasta water before straining! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve meant to save pasta water, but totally forgot when it came time to strain it. Reserved pasta water plays a crucial part in the sauce, so make sure you remember it!
  • Cook the zucchini to your liking. I loooove super soft and jammy zucchini, but if you want zucchini with a little more bite, cook it down for just 10-15 minutes. This light and healthy pasta recipe is super easy to customize!
close-up image of pasta with caramelized zucchini in a bowl.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta like I did!

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use your favorite non-dairy butter in this recipe, and leave off any cheese when serving.

close-up overhead image of pasta with caramelized zucchini in a bowl with parsley and parmesan cheese on top.
5 from 1 vote

Pasta with Caramelized Zucchini

Fresh, wholesome, and delicious pasta with caramelized zucchini! This super simple pasta recipe requires just a handful of ingredients – many of which you probably already have at home. Throw together this easy and healthy weeknight meal in 30 minutes!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • salt, to taste
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pound pasta, uncooked

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once butter has melted, add in the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
    pasta with caramelized zucchini step 1
  • Add in the zucchini and a big pinch of salt, cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.
  • While zucchini cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain pasta from remaining water.
  • Once zucchini is very soft and caramelized, add in the garlic and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant.
    pasta with caramelized zucchini step 4
  • Add the cooked pasta and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet with the zucchini. Stir everything together, and add more pasta water if pasta seems dry. Serve warm with fresh cracked black pepper.
    pasta with caramelized zucchini step 5

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
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