Spaghetti with zucchini-infused butter sauce

Delicious Zucchini Butter Spaghetti

If you're looking for a quick yet flavorful pasta dish that’s bound to impress, look no further! This Zucchini Butter Spaghetti recipe serves 2 generously or 4 petite portions, and you can whip it up in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for pasta water and to taste
• 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 1 cup (235 ml) reserved pasta water
• 1/4 pounds (570 grams) zucchini, trimmed and coarsely grated
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (45 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Handful of fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

Cooking Directions

Begin your culinary adventure by boiling the spaghetti in a pot filled with well-salted water until it’s just one minute away from being perfectly cooked. Before you drain it, make sure to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside for later.

Next, in the same empty pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the grated zucchini, salt, and red pepper flakes, stirring everything together.

Allow the zucchini to cook for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini will first release some liquid, which will eventually evaporate, leaving behind soft and concentrated remnants. If you notice it starting to brown, turn the heat down slightly. After the zucchini has softened, continue stirring for another 2 minutes, breaking it down further with your spoon or spatula until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Now it’s time to combine! Pour in half a cup of your reserved pasta water to deglaze the pan and dissolve any lovely bits that are stuck. Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and cook everything together for about 2 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Use tongs to toss the pasta in the buttery zucchini sauce, adding more of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a luscious consistency.

Finally, fold in half of the grated Parmesan and fresh basil, mixing well. Transfer your beautiful dish to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining Parmesan and basil. Enjoy this comforting, veggie-packed delight!