Spaghetti with Zucchini requires only 3 ingredients plus salt and pepper. This classic Southern Italian dish is naturally vegan and a delicious way to enjoy summer squash.
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When it comes to vegan pasta dishes, complicated sauces aren't always better, especially if you're using fresh produce. Often it only takes a few ingredients to bring out their flavors.
If you enjoy simple dishes like angel hair pomodoro and roasted vegetable pasta, this Spaghetti with Zucchini is the recipe for you.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It's full of flavor yet only requires 3 ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
- The easy cooking method gives the zucchini the perfect texture.
- It's a great way to use the extra summer squash from your garden.
Ingredients
Pantry ingredients: Spaghetti, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Zucchini squash: Choose green or yellow, or any other variety of summer squash. Smaller squash tend to be sweeter and less bitter than larger ones.
For this spaghetti with zucchini recipe, cut off and discard the ends, then slice into thin rounds with a chef's knife. (Or you can use a mandoline or food processor with a slicing blade, if you prefer.)
Variations
- Instead of spaghetti, you can make this pasta with zucchini with linguine, bucatini, or any of your favorite shapes.
- Add fresh minced garlic to the squash while it's cooking.
- Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Finish the dish with some fresh basil leaves or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Top your pasta with vegan parmesan cheese.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti al dente according to the package directions. Reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining it.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add the zucchini to the oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's very tender and reduced in size.
- Add the cooked zucchini to the cooked pasta and toss well, adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed.
Amy's tip
Zucchini has a high water content, so be sure to allow it to cook down before adding it to the cooked pasta. Don't be surprised when it reduces in volume as it cooks. It's not nearly as dramatic as with fresh spinach, but you will notice a difference. You can't really overcook the zucchini unless you forget about it and let it burn, so when in doubt, leave it on the stove a few minutes longer.
Serving suggestions
While Spaghetti with Zucchini is delicious on its own, it's also wonderful served with an easy vegan salad.
Try it with a summery strawberry kale salad or refreshing cold tofu salad.
Or enjoy it with a Balela bean salad or your favorite veggies topped with oil-free green goddess dressing.
Storing
Leftover pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave. I do not recommend freezing it.
Recipe FAQs
No, there are a few differences between this recipe and Spaghetti alla Nerano that Stanley Tucci loves. First, the zucchini rounds in that dish call for deep frying rather than sauteing. Second, that dish contains provolone cheese and butter, so it's not suitable for vegans.
Like cucumbers, zucchini produce chemicals called cucurbitacins that can make them taste bitter. To avoid this, cut off and discard both ends before slicing. In addition, larger squash tend to be more bitter, so don't allow your garden vegetables to grow too big before harvesting. And when purchasing at the supermarket or farmers market, choose smaller ones.
Unlike most winter squash, the skin on summer squash is thin and tender. In fact, the skin, seeds, and flesh can all be eaten cooked or raw.
Yes, you can use green zucchini, yellow zucchini, straight or crook neck yellow squash, or even round "eight ball" zucchini in this recipe.
More vegan zucchini recipes
Made this recipe? Have a question? Please leave a comment below. 💙 And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for community, inspiration & fun!
Love and Veggies,
Amy
📋 Recipe
Spaghetti with Zucchini
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Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces spaghetti, (gluten-free, if needed)
- 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ pounds zucchini, (3-4 squash) sliced into thin rounds
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions. Reserve about a cup of the cooking water, drain the pasta, and transfer it to a large serving bowl.12-16 ounces spaghetti
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Add the zucchini rounds and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are very tender and have reduced in size.1½ pounds zucchini
- Transfer the cooked zucchini and any remaining cooking oil to the bowl of pasta. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss everything together to combine, adding a little of the reserved cooking water as necessary, then serve.salt and pepper
Notes
- Smaller squash tend to be sweeter and less bitter than larger ones. Cut off and discard the ends, then slice into thin rounds with a chef's knife.
- Before draining the pasta, use a coffee mug to reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water. Adding a little in as you toss will help the zucchini and olive oil mixture stick to the spaghetti.
- Zucchini has a high water content, so be sure to allow it to cook down before adding it to the cooked pasta. Don't be surprised when it reduces in volume as it cooks. It's not nearly as dramatic as with fresh spinach, but you will notice a difference. You can't really overcook the zucchini unless you forget about it and let it burn, so when in doubt, leave it on the stove a few minutes longer.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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Lucy Parsons says
Hi Amy,
First, thanks for all your wonderful recipes--I use them often! As for this one, I used elbows and halved the amount of pasta because we LOVE our veggies. I sauteed the zucchini with lots of minced garlic, adding the salt and pepper here rather than waiting until the end. Then, a minute before putting the zucchini with the pasta, I added minced sun-dried tomatoes to the zucchini for a bit of zest and color. My non-vegan husband loved this dish (and so did I)! This recipe is a keeper!
Amy Katz says
I love your additions, Lucy! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
LisaRose says
Hi, Amy,
I didn’t see Vivian’s garlic idea but ended up doing the same. Also, I used orzo because that’s what I had. Dee-lish and so quick and easy. Cleaned up the pasta pot whilst the zucchini was finishing up.
Amy Katz says
That's fantastic, LisaRose! Orzo is always a great idea.
Rosie says
Great - just made - super easy and yummy, next time will try Vivian's idea of adding garlic .
Thanks to Amy for sharing her recipes
Amy Katz says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Rosie!
VIVIAN says
I ADDED 4 GARLIC CLOVES TO THE ZUCCINI PASTA. SO VERY GOOD.
Amy Katz says
Thank you, Vivian! The more garlic, the better!