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Light Summer Squash Pasta

Delicious Light Summer Squash Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This Light Summer Squash Pasta is a quick and refreshing dish perfect for summer evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta De Cecco recommended; it provides the base structure for the dish.
For the Sauté
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil adds richness and helps in sautéing.
  • 3 cloves Garlic freshly minced; enhances flavor with aromatic notes.
  • 1 Summer Squash sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; offers sweetness and texture.
  • 1 Zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; complements with mild flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt essential for flavor enhancement.
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground; adds mild heat and depth of flavor.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice brightens the dish and balances flavors.
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest adds aromatic, citrusy brightness.
  • 2 oz Creamy Goat Cheese contributes a rich and tangy flavor.
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter enriches the sauce for a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional for a touch of spice.
For Garnishing
  • 3 tbsp Toasted Pine Nuts provides a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chiffonade; adds freshness and a vibrant element.
  • 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese perfect for garnishing, enhancing flavors.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • cutting board
  • Knife
  • measuring spoons
  • Colander

Method
 

Directions
  1. Start by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil. While waiting, mince the garlic, slice the summer squash and zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds, zest and juice the lemon, and chiffonade the basil.
  2. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the sliced squash and zucchini, cooking for 4-5 minutes until tender and golden.
  4. Sprinkle the sautéed vegetables with kosher salt and black pepper, then reduce the heat to low to keep them warm.
  5. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, butter, and creamy goat cheese, gently mixing over low heat until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
  6. Divide the pasta among plates, garnishing with red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, chiffonaded basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and additional lemon juice if you like it extra zesty!

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is not only tasty but also versatile; feel free to add proteins like shrimp or chicken to make it heartier.

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