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Light Summer Squash Pasta

Delicious Light Summer Squash Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This Light Summer Squash Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for summer nights, showcasing fresh vegetables and creamy goat cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz De Cecco pasta
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic freshly minced
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter can be omitted for a lighter version
  • 1.5 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Summer Squash sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 cups Zucchini sliced similarly to summer squash
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper freshly ground
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes use sparingly
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Goat Cheese can be swapped with ricotta or feta
  • 1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chiffonade
  • to taste Grated Parmesan Cheese or dairy-free alternative

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. While the water heats, mince three cloves of garlic and slice the summer squash and zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds for even cooking. Zest one lemon and then juice it, setting both aside. Finally, prepare the goat cheese and unsalted butter to incorporate smoothly into the sauce later.
  2. Once the water is boiling, add 12 oz of De Cecco pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, reserve a cup of pasta water for later, then drain the pasta in a colander.
  3. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, stirring to prevent browning. Gradually introduce the sliced summer squash and zucchini to the pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until golden and tender-crisp.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and gently toss in the drained pasta, along with the lemon juice, butter, and goat cheese. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the heat to melt the cheese and create a creamy sauce that envelops the Light Summer Squash Pasta. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. To serve your Light Summer Squash Pasta, portion onto plates and sprinkle generously with red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, and a chiffonade of fresh basil. Finish with a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and additional lemon juice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different squash varieties for a unique twist.

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