Zucchini Ribbon Pasta with Creamy Lemon-Basil Sauce
This mix of pasta and zucchini ribbons is tossed with sauteed tomatoes in a lightened up lemon-basil sauce.
Servings servings
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- ½ lb fettucine 8 ounces
- 1 zucchini medium
- 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes about 2 cups
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 3-4 cloves finely minced garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 3 ounces cream cheese fat free
- 1 cup basil, very loosely packed chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed, more if desired
Instructions
Vegetables
- Prepare a pot of water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Cut ends off zucchini and slice along the long direction, cutting the zucchini into about ⅛ inch slices. Cut each of those slices into long pieces, about the same size as the fettuccine (see photos above for explanation). Set zucchini aside.
- Heat a medium size skillet to medium heat. When hot, add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add tomatoes and give them a little sprinkle of kosher salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes. Just until they start to burst and look blistered. Remove tomatoes from pan and place in a small dish, covered, and set aside.
Sauce
- Add another 1 teaspoon olive oil to the empty pan and add garlic. Stir constantly on medium-low heat for about 30-60 seconds. Add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes and then reduce heat to low.
- Place cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and soften for 20-30 seconds, until it can be easily stirred smooth. Ladle in a couple spoonfuls of the chicken broth mixture into the cream cheese and stir to combine. Once the mixture is smooth, add it to the pan with the remaining broth mixture and whisk until smooth and creamy. Add chopped basil and lemon juice and stir to combine. Taste sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. (Lemon lovers can also squeeze in extra lemon juice at this point.)
Assembly
- When pasta is just about done, add zucchini strips to pot (so they’re cooking with the pasta). Boil for about 2 minutes, or until tender. Drain zucchini and pasta and combine with sauce. Gently toss in tomatoes, or simply add them on top of each serving. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
Notes
- This dish is best enjoyed freshly made!
- If you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a day or two for best results.
Nutrition
Calories: 304kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 60mg, Sodium: 314mg, Potassium: 501mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 842IU, Vitamin C: 20mg, Calcium: 69mg, Iron: 2mg
Calories: 304kcal
Cost: $7
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