This delightful recipe for creamy tagliatelle with zucchini and cherry tomatoes is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The rich, creamy sauce complements the fresh vegetables beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this pasta dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 350g tagliatelle pasta
- 150g soft cream cheese
- 50g hard Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Vegetable oil, for sautéing
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Ground sweet paprika, to taste
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the red onion and garlic cloves.
- Slice the zucchini into thin rounds.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the tagliatelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced zucchini rounds and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
- Season with salt, ground black pepper, and ground sweet paprika.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained tagliatelle pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Add Cream Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the soft cream cheese to the pasta mixture.
- Stir until the cream cheese melts and evenly coats the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve Hot:
- Grate the hard Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir gently to incorporate.
- Serve the creamy tagliatelle pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestion:
- Serve this dish with a side of crusty garlic bread to sop up the creamy sauce and a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette to add a crisp contrast to the meal.
Nutritional Benefit:
- Heart Health: Olive oil and garlic support cardiovascular health.
- Fiber: Zucchini and cherry tomatoes are great sources of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.
- Protein and Calcium: The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan provides a good source of protein and calcium.
Cooking Tips:
- Cream Cheese Consistency: To ensure the cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, let it reach room temperature before adding it to the pasta.
- Pasta Cooking: To keep pasta from sticking, stir it occasionally while boiling and use plenty of water.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for better flavor and texture in the dish.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The creamy texture combined with the freshness of the vegetables creates a comforting yet elegant dish.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Versatile: Easy to adapt with different vegetables or cheeses based on what’s available.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the vegetables make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, making it a great family meal option.
This creamy tagliatelle with zucchini and cherry tomatoes is a delicious, satisfying meal that combines health benefits with great taste, proving that comfort food can also be nutritious and vibrant. Enjoy this dish any night of the week for a quick, flavorful dinner.
