Pasta con le Zucchine e Basilico

Pasta con le Zucchine e Basilico is a delightful vegetarian dish that showcases the fresh flavors of zucchini and basil, perfectly complementing al dente pasta. It's a light yet satisfying meal, ideal for a quick weeknight supper.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 160g
• Zucchini - 2 medium (about 250g)
• Fresh basil leaves - 30g (about 1 cup, packed)
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional) - 30g, grated

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, wash and slice the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the zucchini, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
7. Chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the pasta, stirring well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from zucchini and basil.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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