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Lemon Zucchini Rigatoni

Lemon Zucchini Rigatoni for a Bright and Creamy Dinner Delight

Enjoy a vibrant and creamy Lemon Zucchini Rigatoni, a quick vegetarian pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta Opt for high-quality, bronze-cut varieties
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Zucchini Choose firm, vibrant zucchinis
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh for better flavor
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Use freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Use good-quality oil
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Prefer freshly grated
  • to taste Salt Adjust according to preference
  • to taste Pepper Adjust according to preference

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add sliced zucchini and cook for around 5 minutes until tender.
  3. Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet with zucchini. Pour in the lemon juice and stir gently for a couple of minutes until well combined.
  4. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to melt the cheese into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve creaminess.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, ensuring a good balance of flavors.
  6. Plate the Lemon Zucchini Rigatoni and top with additional parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; for longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

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