Description
Creamy parmesan zucchini pasta delivers comfort with Mediterranean charm. Italian-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly for a quick, elegant meal you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh parsley or basil (chopped, optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Station: Slice zucchini into uniform rounds, ensuring consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
- Sauté Foundation: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium flame, creating a rich, flavorful cooking surface for the zucchini.
- Vegetable Transformation: Add zucchini to the pan, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Gently sauté for 4-5 minutes, developing caramelized edges and maintaining a slight crispness without overcooking.
- Cheese Infusion: Lower heat and generously sprinkle parmesan cheese over the zucchini, allowing it to melt and form a creamy, luxurious coating that envelops each slice.
- Finishing Touch: Carefully stir to distribute the melted cheese evenly, preventing burning and ensuring complete coverage. Cook until zucchini reaches a golden-green tenderness and cheese creates a smooth, glossy glaze.
- Plating and Serve: Transfer the aromatic, cheese-enhanced zucchini to a serving dish. Optional: Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while the dish remains warm and the cheese maintains its silky texture.
Notes
- Control Moisture: Pat zucchini dry before cooking to prevent excess water release, ensuring crisp and caramelized edges instead of soggy slices.
- Manage Heat Carefully: Use medium heat to achieve perfect golden color without burning the delicate zucchini or causing cheese to separate.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor and smooth melting consistency.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap butter with olive oil for vegan version or use dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg