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    Home » Healthy

    Simple Fresh Zucchini Pasta Sauce

    Published: May 18, 2023 / Updated: May 21, 2023 / 48 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This zucchini pasta sauce is the perfect way to use up your summer zucchini harvest! It's easy to make in 30 minutes, buttery, and totally delicious.

    Try my Easy Zucchini Soup or Baked Balsamic Parmesan Zucchini next.

    a bowl of pasta with zucchini sauce and a fork

    Why you'll love it

    I have a number of zucchini noodle recipes on here, but this is my first time posting a pasta recipe with a zucchini sauce. I wasn't even sure what to name it, but hopefully those who are searching for a pasta sauce made with zucchini rather than zoodles will actually find this one.

    To those lucky enough to have a garden with zucchini growing in it, this zucchini pasta is the ideal pasta dish for you. I know that it can sometimes be difficult to use it all up. Melt-in-your-mouth zucchini is butter's best friend in this simple pasta that's fantastic for lazy summer evenings.

    What goes into it

    • Pasta - any kind will do, but I like how buttery sauces coat a longer pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
    • Zucchini - the star of the sauce. You don't need to be super precise; the weight is more of a guideline.
    • Olive oil and butter - for sautéing and making up the base of the sauce
    • Onion and garlic - our tasty aromatics. I prefer using Vidalia (sweet) onions.
    • Italian seasoning - my go-to seasoning blend for so many recipes. It's a single jar with fragrant dried Italian herbs.
    • Chicken broth - for deeper savory flavor. You can swap it out for veggie broth if you'd prefer this to be a vegetarian pasta.
    • Lemon juice - it adds a touch of acidity and brightness
    • Parmesan - to top it all off and add richness to the sauce. I always recommend grating your own parmesan cheese for the best results.
    ingredients for zucchini pasta sauce in prep bowls

    Tools for this recipe

    Check out Natasha's favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

    • To mince the garlic, I use this garlic press since you don't even need to peel the cloves beforehand.
    • A pair of kitchen tongs is handy to toss the sauce with the pasta.
    • I use my Microplane to easily and quickly zest the parmesan.
    • This Le Creuset skillet is the one I used.

    How to make pasta with zucchini sauce

    This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    frying onions in a cast iron skillet and adding zucchini for pasta sauce

    Boil the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, prep the other recipe ingredients. In a skillet, sauté the onion until translucent, then add in the zucchini, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or so.

    finishing making zucchini sauce in a skillet and tossing with fettuccine

    Finish the sauce by adding the broth, remaining butter, and lemon juice. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and starchy pasta water if desired. Toss with the drained pasta, and enjoy.

    Substitutions and variations

    • Try replacing half or all of the chicken broth with dry white wine if you're feeling a little fancy! Use sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or even chardonnay. Just make sure it's one you'd enjoy drinking.
    • This zucchini pasta is one of those forgiving recipes where it's easy enough to throw in some fresh garden herbs on or even other garden veggies that you want to use up. We haven't tested it, but fresh tomatoes could definitely be added in here, as an example.
    • Want to add some protein to this dish? Leftover Baked Chicken or rotisserie chicken or even some shrimp would be delicious. 

    What to serve with this zucchini pasta

    • It's a lovely light meal on its own, but you could always serve it with a slice of fresh crusty bread, a dinner roll, or some Garlic Bread if you're craving something more substantial.
    • A salad is always a solid choice to go with this pasta. Try mixed greens with my Copycat Olive Garden Dressing, or make this Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad.
    • Enjoy it on your patio with a glass of white wine, and it's a seasonal meal done right.

    Leftovers and storage

    • This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the fridge in a covered container for a few days.
    • Warm it up over a low heat in a small saucepan. If it's looking a little dry, give it a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
    • I don't suggest freezing this one since the texture will likely change once thawed.

    More zucchini recipes to enjoy

    • Taco Zucchini Boats
    • 15 Minute Kung Pao Zoodles
    • Garlic Lime Cashew Zoodles
    • Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad
    • 15 Minute Garlic Shrimp Zoodles
    fettuccine in a skillet with fresh zucchini pasta sauce

    Will you give this fresh zucchini pasta sauce sauce a try? Let me know! Questions, or want to leave me a star rating and review? Drop a comment below.

    a bowl of pasta with zucchini sauce and a fork

    Simple Fresh Zucchini Pasta Sauce

    This zucchini pasta sauce is the perfect way to use up your summer zucchini harvest! It's easy to make in 30 minutes, buttery, and totally delicious.
    4.94 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 382 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 8 ounces uncooked pasta I used fettuccine
    • 1.5 pounds zucchini diced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons butter divided
    • 1/2 small onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 dash Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 cup chicken or veg broth
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Boil a salted pot of water for your pasta. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
    • Meanwhile, chop the zucchini and prep your other ingredients.
    • Add the olive oil and one tablespoon of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
    • Add the zucchini, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Add the remaining butter, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the pan. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes or so.
    • Stir in the parmesan cheese and toss with the drained pasta (add a splash of pasta water if you wish). Season with salt & pepper as needed and enjoy immediately.

    Notes

    • Zucchini sizing is pretty subjective, so I figured that including a weight would be the most useful thing to do. I used 3 small-to-medium zucchini totaling around 1.5 pounds. Anything around 1 lb. or so will work, but I wouldn't go less than that if you're feeding 4 people.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 366mgPotassium: 622mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 623IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword easy zucchini pasta sauce
    Author Natasha Bull

    This recipe was originally published on July 26, 2019. It's been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!

    « Chicken Bacon Gnocchi
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    1. Mary. Jean says

      September 15, 2023 at 1:51 PM

      So your husband said it’s a keeper? Do you have an opinion?

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        September 15, 2023 at 3:03 PM

        I'm assuming you're referring to a pin you found with a reader quote mentioning their husband liked this recipe. Of course Natasha has an opinion -- she invented the recipe. It's fabulous. 😉

        Reply
    2. Lauren says

      July 20, 2023 at 2:11 PM

      5 stars
      We loved it! I added sun dried tomatoes to mine and it was delicious !

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 20, 2023 at 3:49 PM

        I'm thrilled to hear it! Love that idea.

        Reply
    3. Joann says

      July 16, 2023 at 8:02 AM

      It was so easy to make this one vegan and it was great!
      Many thanks.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 16, 2023 at 11:24 AM

        You're very welcome, Joann! 😀

        Reply
    4. Savannah says

      June 4, 2023 at 8:19 AM

      5 stars
      Such a unique and tasty pasta-especially good in the summer! Will be making this one again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 4, 2023 at 9:24 AM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Savannah!! 😀 Thank you for your review!

        Reply
    5. AngelaML says

      May 28, 2023 at 5:39 AM

      5 stars
      I am visiting with my mom this week and I decided to try this out my first night here. We both enjoyed it. I added rotisserie chicken and cherry tomatoes to make it the full meal. Very colorful!

      I tweaked it some and will do so next time for personal preference. Less cheese and more garlic, Italian seasoning and lemon. Definitely a nice and light pasta dish that we'll make again & again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 28, 2023 at 10:23 AM

        Sounds good to me! 🙂 Glad it's a new one for your recipe box, Angela! Appreciate your review as always!

        Reply
    6. JoAnn C says

      August 14, 2022 at 7:55 PM

      5 stars
      This was the second time making this recipe. Quick and delicious meal.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 14, 2022 at 9:49 PM

        Yay!! Glad you enjoyed it, JoAnn!

        Reply
    7. SUNČANA SUZANIĆ says

      June 30, 2022 at 4:42 AM

      5 stars
      I add some tomato juice and parsley

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 30, 2022 at 11:38 AM

        Excellent!

        Reply
    8. Kathryn Galvin says

      June 24, 2022 at 4:54 PM

      Just made it and had a new zucchini from the garden. Was delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 24, 2022 at 6:23 PM

        That's awesome!! Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    9. Sue says

      June 17, 2022 at 4:48 PM

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner tonight. It is excellent! Will make often!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 17, 2022 at 5:00 PM

        Yay!! That's great to hear, Sue! 😀 Thank you

        Reply
    10. Amie says

      May 31, 2022 at 5:34 PM

      5 stars
      LOVE!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 31, 2022 at 8:34 PM

        Excellent!!

        Reply
    11. Diane Kruger says

      October 18, 2021 at 11:11 AM

      5 stars
      This is so exquisite tasting. I got young tender zucchini. The recipe is very easy to follow. It is so good and I mean very good! Paired with warm French bread with garlic salt and it is so satisfying.
      I'm so pleased I made this and will be making it a lot more.
      Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 18, 2021 at 11:16 AM

        Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Diane. I am so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Elizabeth Kelly says

      June 9, 2021 at 3:22 AM

      5 stars
      This was easy to make and tasted lovely. I was looking for a lighter sauce and wanted something other than a tomato or mushroom based sauce. This fit the bill beautifully. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 9, 2021 at 7:53 AM

        I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, Elizabeth! Thanks for taking the time to write me a review. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Loretta says

      February 27, 2021 at 10:31 PM

      Sound delicious. I'll try it.
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 28, 2021 at 2:16 PM

        Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    14. Jayme Amaral says

      February 26, 2021 at 5:17 PM

      Fantastic! I’ve made this twice now. I do grate the zucchini because it’s easier for my 9 month old to eat and she LOVES IT. This time I added roasted garlic! Incredible! I’ll be freezing some of the sauce this time around for a quick meal. I hope it’ll hold up in the freezer!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 26, 2021 at 9:52 PM

        Wonderful!! 🙂 So happy your daughter likes it too.

        Reply
    15. Alexandra Chavez says

      February 5, 2021 at 11:50 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious! Substituted Parmesan for feta (Bc that’s what I had) still was a hit!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 6, 2021 at 10:52 AM

        Wonderful!

        Reply
    16. Caroline V Bruno says

      January 24, 2021 at 11:21 AM

      Hello !! , What a wonderful sauce !! Not a vegetarian, but not eating meat lately. This is a great recipe for pasta. Who doesn't like a little zucchini once and then.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 24, 2021 at 11:48 AM

        I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, Caroline!! 🙂 I love zucchini too... I don't make it often enough.

        Reply
    17. Mariah says

      December 17, 2020 at 12:29 AM

      5 stars
      This is amazing! Have made quite a few times and now making again that it’s zucchini season! Sometimes I add some crispy pancetta or bacon and some chili. Delicious

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 17, 2020 at 9:51 AM

        I'm so happy to hear that!! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Beth says

      July 21, 2020 at 4:07 PM

      4 stars
      This was good and easy! I think a smaller pasta like shells or orzo would make it easier to eat - next time!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 21, 2020 at 9:31 PM

        Yes! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    19. M Carol Parente says

      July 5, 2020 at 6:54 PM

      5 stars
      OMG! I had some fresh cauliflower and ricotta raviolis and was looking for a quick sauce to use up a zucchini I also had!. I'm so glad I found this! My husband says the recipe is a "real keeper!"

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 5, 2020 at 7:00 PM

        That's awesome! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. 🙂

        Reply
    20. Darrell Kesur says

      June 1, 2020 at 2:54 AM

      Excellent and easy to prepare recipe!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 1, 2020 at 9:53 AM

        So glad you enjoyed it, Darrell!

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          June 24, 2020 at 4:38 PM

          5 stars
          This was delicious! I followed the recipe and it was so simple. Definitely making it again. Thank you!

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            June 25, 2020 at 9:18 AM

            You're very welcome! 🙂

            Reply
    21. Lindsey says

      May 21, 2020 at 3:44 PM

      Sounds amazing! Have you had any luck freezing this sauce?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 22, 2020 at 9:15 AM

        Hi! I haven't tried. I think it would probably be fine. The zucchini will go quite soft, but I think it would still be tasty.

        Reply
    22. Ashlyn @ F5 Method says

      July 28, 2019 at 6:21 PM

      I’ve had a bunch of fresh summer zucchini on hand lately and this looks like a great way to use it. Looks amazing as always Natasha!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 28, 2019 at 8:38 PM

        Awesome, let me know if you make it!

        Reply
        • Sheryl says

          August 11, 2019 at 9:38 AM

          5 stars
          I just recently made this and what a hit. We are mainly vegetarian in my home & I’m always on the look out for new meatless recipes. The addition of lemon juice made the meal pop. It’s fast too. 🍋

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            August 11, 2019 at 10:50 AM

            I am so happy you liked it, Sheryl! Thanks for leaving me a comment. 🙂

            Reply

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    Natasha Bull, founder and author of Salt & Lavender, in the kitchen

    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

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