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Dinner

Creamy Garlic Zucchini Pasta

A light and comforting pasta dish that turns fresh summer zucchini into a silky, savory dinner.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 27, 2026
Creamy Garlic Zucchini Pasta
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
4

This creamy zucchini pasta is my absolute favorite way to use up all that garden produce during the summer months. It feels indulgent and rich, yet it remains light enough for a warm evening when you want something fresh and satisfying on the table quickly.

My top tip for this recipe is to salt your zucchini noodles or sliced zucchini for ten minutes before cooking, then pat them dry with a towel. This little extra effort removes excess water so your sauce stays perfectly creamy and does not turn into soup.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice
  • 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced or spiralized
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

  2. 2

    While the water boils, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add the zucchini to the skillet and sauté for three to five minutes until it is just tender but still holds its shape.

  5. 5

    Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.

  6. 6

    Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and combined.

  7. 7

    Drain the pasta and toss it directly into the skillet with the sauce and zucchini.

  8. 8

    Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, toss well to coat, and serve immediately with fresh basil on top.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with a tiny splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple crisp green salad.

#vegetarian#pasta#summer#quick dinner#zucchini

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