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Italian Zucchini Sauce

Creamy Italian Zucchini Sauce: Your New Favorite Weeknight Win

This Italian Zucchini Sauce highlights fresh zucchini, transforming them into a rich, creamy sauce perfect for pasta nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Best Recipe Ideas
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Dry Pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
For the Sauce
  • 4 cups Shredded Zucchini Aim for medium-sized zucchinis.
  • ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Can reduce to 1/3–1/2 cup for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Diced Sweet Onion (Vidalia) Imparts sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to your spice preference.
  • 4 cloves Minced Fresh Garlic Enhances the flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil Use more or less based on preference.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Oregano Use more or less based on preference.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Mint Use more or less based on preference.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half or dairy-free cream for lighter versions.
  • ½ cup Romano Cheese Swap with dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese for a dairy-free option.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • box grater

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Zucchini Sauce
  1. Fill a large pot with water, adding a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the dry pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Trim the ends off the zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and shred using a box grater until you have about 4 cups of shredded zucchini.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle in ½ cup of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced sweet onion and sauté for about 3 minutes or until softened and translucent.
  4. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add shredded zucchini with a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. Add half of the fresh herbs. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes until zucchini is tender.
  6. Uncover and stir in heavy cream and remaining herbs. Increase heat slightly and let it heat through until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and mix in grated Romano cheese until melted. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is achieved.
  8. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, mixing to coat the pasta evenly. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store the sauce separately from the pasta to prevent mushiness. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed.

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