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–+ servings

Healthy and Easy Mediterranean Pasta With Tomato Basil Zucchini

This Mediterranean dish is one of my favorites. It’s low in calories and rich in healthy fats. I use fresh ingredients like juicy tomatoes, crisp zucchini, fragrant basil, garlic, parmesan, and some red pepper flakes for heat. I usually have these on hand to whip up a quick, tasty meal anytime. Tomatoes and zucchini are also great sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Pasta, Side Dish, Vegan/Vegetarian
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot with Lid
  • 1 Large Sauce Pan
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Pearing Knife
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Microplane for parmesan cheese

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 lb Pasta
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped or pressed
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 large zucchini Cut in half lengthwise and then slice into 1/4 inch pieces
  • 1 or 2 med vine ripe tomatoes Seeded and cut into 1/2 inch slices
  • 1/2 jar tomato vodka sauce I like Trader Joes
  • 1/4 tsp salt and pepper To taste.
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese - grated very fine In the sauce and to garnish
  • 3 to 4 leaves fresh basil Chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  • Chop the zucchini, tomato, garlic and basil
  • In a large pan over low heat, add the olive oil, butter, and garlic, and cook for 1 minute, until the garlic starts to sizzle but does not brown.
  • On medium-low heat, add red chili flakes, tomato, and zucchini. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 8-10 minutes until the zucchini begins to brown and the tomatoes soften.
  • When the water begins to boil, add the pasta and cook for 12 minutes.
  • When the vegetables are ready, add the tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese, then simmer over very low heat. until the pasta is ready.
  • Add the pasta, when al dente, to the pan with a bit of pasta water and let the flavors meld. Add your basil garnish and serve. Add extra Parmesan to garnish, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3g
Keyword addictive, basil, chili pepper, comforting, delicious, fresh, garlic, pasta, simple, tomato, tomato sauce, zucchini
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