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Fresh Tomato and Zucchini Summer Pasta

A light and bright pasta dish that celebrates the best produce of late summer.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 29, 2026
Fresh Tomato and Zucchini Summer Pasta
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
4

August is the perfect time to make the most of the garden harvests. When the days are still warm and you want a quick meal without heating up the kitchen, this fresh tomato and zucchini pasta is my absolute favorite go to recipe.

It is simple, colorful, and tastes just like sunshine on a plate. I love using cherry tomatoes because they burst into a sweet sauce when they hit the hot pan, pairing perfectly with thin slices of fresh zucchini.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced into half moons
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. 1

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

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Add the sliced zucchini to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften and turn light brown.

  4. 4

    Stir in the minced garlic and halved tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to burst.

  5. 5

    Drain the pasta, reserving a small splash of the cooking water, and add the noodles directly into the skillet with the vegetables.

  6. 6

    Toss everything together, adding the basil, cheese, and a splash of reserved water if you want a creamier texture.

  7. 7

    Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes before serving warm.

💡 Tips

This dish is best served immediately while the vegetables are fresh and bright. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and add a little extra olive oil when reheating.

#vegetarian#pasta#summer#quick#easy

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