Lemon-Herb Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant, light pasta dish featuring tender zucchini ribbons, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a fragrant lemon-herb vinaigrette that comes together in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs spaghetti, medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Using a vegetable peeler, create thin ribbons from 2 medium zucchini. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini ribbons and sauté for 3 minutes until tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to burst, stirring gently. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup grated lemon zest, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss with drained pasta and add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a light sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon zest if needed. Serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Lemon-Herb Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon-Herb Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon-Herb Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Herb Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
