Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? This Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes is just the recipe you need! It’s packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients that provide a delightful balance of flavors. The recipe makes four servings and offers a hearty but light meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or family lunch.

Ingredients needed include:

• Pasta (any type like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• Zucchini, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 people

To start, bring a large pot of water to boil and add salt. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your pasta.

While you wait for the water to heat up, prepare your zucchini by slicing them into thin rounds. You can do this on a mandoline or simply use a sharp knife for precision. Ensure that each slice has an even thickness; this will ensure uniform cooking and better texture once they’re cooked.

Next, halve the cherry tomatoes if you prefer smaller bites. If you like larger pieces of cherry tomatoes in your dish, then leave them whole. This step can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Cut some fresh basil leaves; you don't need too much at this stage since you'll add more later for garnish. The basil will not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant green color to the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:

1. Boil Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add your preferred type of pasta and stir gently to ensure it doesn’t stick together. Let it cook according to package instructions until al dente – meaning it’s cooked but still firm enough that you can bite through it with some resistance.
2. Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat up a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic as this can impart an unpleasant bitter taste.
3. Combine Ingredients: As soon as your pasta is done, drain it well, reserving some of the cooking water for later use if needed. Add the cooked pasta and zucchini slices into the skillet with the garlic mixture. Toss everything together to coat evenly with olive oil and garlic. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes.
4. Finish Cooking: Continue tossing until all components are heated through and well combined. If necessary, you can use a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if too dry. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnish with Fresh Basil: After everything is thoroughly mixed, remove from heat. Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top each portion generously with fresh chopped basil leaves for that final burst of freshness and color.

The Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes without sacrificing flavor or simplicity. This versatile recipe can be adapted to include additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach depending on what’s available in your kitchen or seasonal availability.

For those who enjoy variety but still want something light yet satisfying, this dish is ideal. Its combination of whole grains from the pasta and antioxidants from the zucchini and cherry tomatoes makes it nutritious as well as tasty. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad on the side if you’re looking to add more greens into your meal.

This recipe is also quite forgiving; if you have leftover vegetables or even just want to experiment slightly, feel free to substitute ingredients based on what’s fresh and available at your local market. Just remember that adjusting portion sizes might affect cooking time accordingly so always check doneness when serving.