Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup yellow squash, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced zucchini and yellow squash, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with half of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the flavors for about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For optimal storage, keep any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; consider separating the pasta from the vegetables to maintain their texture.
- When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to help bring back moisture and prevent the dish from drying out.
- Serve this vibrant garden pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a side of crusty bread for a delightful summer meal.
- To enhance the flavors, try roasting the cherry tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the skillet; this will intensify their sweetness and create a richer sauce for your pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup of pasta with vegetables
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 4g