Simmered Carrot and Zucchini Pasta

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

A vibrant pasta dish where grated carrots and zucchini meld into a naturally sweet sauce, hiding vegetables in plain sight for reluctant eaters. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs fusilli pasta, carrots, zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 375 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 375 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup grated carrots and 1 cup grated zucchini, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened and liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add drained fusilli and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 2-3 minutes more until pasta is heated through and sauce clings to strands.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Carrot and Zucchini Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Simmered Carrot and Zucchini Pasta?

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 fusilli pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Carrot and Zucchini Pasta?

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 Simmered Carrot and Zucchini Pasta 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 Simmered Carrot and Zucchini Pasta?

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.

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