Browned Zucchini Pasta with Parmesan

1. 1

   Assemble all the ingredients.

2. 2

   Warm olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. When hot, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the zucchini and season with 1 teaspoon salt and cracked black pepper; if it doesn’t all fit, add the zucchini in batches.

3. 3

   Stir every few minutes until the zucchini softens and releases its liquid, 5 to 10 minutes. Keep cooking until the liquid evaporates and the zucchini begins to brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package time for slightly firm pasta. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

5. 5

   Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and stir the zucchini frequently during the final 5 to 10 minutes of cooking. As it caramelizes, it may stick to the pan; loosen it with a bit more olive oil or a few tablespoons of water, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom. The zucchini is ready when it starts to clump together and appears darker and lightly browned.

6. 6

   Lower the heat to low and add the pasta to the skillet with about 1/2 cup pasta water; stir to combine. Gradually add the cheese, stirring and adding more pasta water as needed if it becomes too thick. When the cheese is fully incorporated, add the butter and stir until glossy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Finish with black pepper, more cheese, lemon zest, and chopped fresh basil.

• Calories 596.73 kcal High
• Protein 22.89 g Good Source
• Carbs 88.55 g Moderate
• Total Fat 18.29 g High
• Saturated Fat 5.63 g High
• Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
• Cholesterol 18.77 mg Moderate
• Sodium 169.1 mg Moderate
• Fiber 6.56 g Good Source
• Sugar 7.01 g Moderate
• Added Sugar 0.0 g Low Source
• Calcium 199.74 mg Moderate
• Iron 4.82 mg Good Source
• Potassium 400.6 mg Low Source
• Vitamin A 43.43 mcg_rae Low Source
• Vitamin C 13.28 mg Moderate
• Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Citrus 🍊
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten
• Garlic 🧄