Zucchini & Mint Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   5 min hands-on

   • Finely slice the garlic.
   • Cut the zucchini into rounds about half a centimeter thick.
   • Roughly chop the fresh mint leaves.
   • Grate the parmesan cheese.
   • Zest the lemons and squeeze the juice into a small bowl, removing seeds.

2. Cook Zucchini

   2 min hands-on60 min waiting

   • Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil, warming it for 30 seconds.
   • Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
   • Add zucchini rounds, tossing to coat in oil and garlic.
   • Reduce heat to low and cook zucchini for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and creamy.

3. Cook Pasta

   3 min hands-on

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the whole-grain pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
   • Reserve some pasta water before draining.

4. Make Parmesan Sauce

   2 min hands-on

   • Combine grated parmesan with some reserved hot pasta water in a medium bowl.
   • Stir vigorously until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.

5. Combine Ingredients

   3 min hands-on

   • Add cooked pasta to the sauté pan with softened zucchini and toss to combine.
   • Add parmesan sauce, chopped mint, and some reserved pasta water.
   • Mix well using tongs to coat the pasta evenly.

6. Enhance with Lemon and Seasoning

   1 min hands-on

   • Stir in lemon zest and juice.
   • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Garnish

   2 min hands-on

   • Plate the pasta and zucchini mixture.
   • Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh mint leaves.
   • Serve immediately.
   • Cooking tips:
   • For the best flavor, cook the zucchini on low heat for the full 60–90 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly and achieve a creamy consistency.
   • Save extra pasta water in case the sauce needs additional loosening during mixing.
   • Use a microplane grater for the parmesan and lemon zest to ensure a fine texture.
   • Taste the dish at the end and adjust the lemon juice, salt, or pepper to balance the flavors according to your preference.