Fresh Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Zucchini Ribbons

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, vibrant pasta dish featuring delicate zucchini ribbons and bright lemon-garlic sauce that comes together in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, medium zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into thin ribbons using a vegetable spiralizer. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add zucchini ribbons to the skillet, tossing constantly for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the mixture and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats every strand and thickens slightly. Season with 1 tsp sea salt to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fresh Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Zucchini Ribbons take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fresh Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Zucchini Ribbons?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Zucchini Ribbons?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fresh Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Zucchini Ribbons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Fresh Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Zucchini Ribbons vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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