This delightful dish combines the freshness of zucchini with creamy cottage cheese and bright lemon for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lunch that celebrates seasonal produce. The sauce is creamy, zesty, and loaded with flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry, short pasta (such as cavatappi, gemelli, or fusilli)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more as needed
- 2 pounds zucchini or yellow squash (3 large or 4 medium)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 8 ounces whole-milk cottage cheese
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, plus more for serving
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with heavily salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Zucchini: While the pasta cooks, trim the zucchini and grate them through the large holes of a box grater.
- Cook the Zucchini: In the empty pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the grated zucchini, seasoning with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini releases liquid and becomes jammy (12 to 15 minutes). It should start sticking to the pot.
- Make the Sauce: In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese, most of the lemon zest and juice, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and several grinds of black pepper until smooth (about 1 minute).
- Combine: Set the pot of zucchini to low heat, add the cooked pasta, and stir to distribute. Add the cottage cheese mixture and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water, stirring until creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve: Divide into bowls, topping with more basil, reserved lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Use a mix of zucchini and yellow squash for color and flavor variety.
- For added flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or garlic when cooking the zucchini.
Nutritional Benefits
- Zucchini: Low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, it’s a great addition to any meal.
- Cottage Cheese: A good source of protein and calcium, making this dish filling without excess calories.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to accommodate dietary preferences.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A fresh and light meal that’s still hearty and satisfying.
Conclusion
Lemony Zucchini Pasta with Cottage Cheese is a flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. This dish will become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing a taste of garden freshness to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite short pasta shapes. - Can I make this dish vegan?
Substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - What can I use instead of zucchini?
Yellow squash, or even eggplant, can be used as substitutes. - Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well. - Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets. - How can I make the sauce creamier?
You can add more cottage cheese or a splash of heavy cream if desired. - Can I add garlic?
Yes! Sauté minced garlic with the zucchini for added flavor. - How can I enhance the flavor?
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the dish. - Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well in the fridge and is perfect for lunches.