Angel Hair Pasta with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Parmesan

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and provides a cheesy flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: walnuts

Sunflower seeds are a budget-friendly alternative with a similar texture.

angel hair pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: spaghetti

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while spaghetti is more economical.

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a sauté pan.

Add 2 medium zucchini, split in half lengthwise and diced into slices.

Boil salted water in a separate pot for the pasta.

Add 3/4 pound of angel hair pasta to the boiling water and set a timer for 4 minutes.

Slice 2 cloves of garlic very thinly and add to the zucchini in the pan.

Add 1 sliced scallion to the zucchini.

Zest 1 lemon and juice it, then add both the zest and juice to the zucchini.

Brown the zucchini in the pan, adjusting the heat as necessary.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the zucchini after browning.

When the timer goes off, drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.

Add the drained pasta to the zucchini along with 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.

Turn off the heat and add the fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives) to the pasta mixture.

Toss everything together to combine.

Plate the pasta, adding cherry tomatoes that have been seasoned with salt and pepper.

Grate fresh parmesan reggiano cheese over the plated pasta.

Optionally, add a little reserved pasta water to the dish for a sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens