Less is more with this light and simple pasta dish: Zucchini Basil Rigatoni! It’s a delicious meal to help you cut out the unwanted heaviness from creams or sauces in a standard pasta recipe, and still enjoy the comforting feel of pasta itself. You’ll only need 20 minutes and a few simple ingredients to recreate this amazing dish.

Why You Need This Pasta Recipe in Your Life – A Filling and Simple Meal

As we dive and “reset” into the new year with the majority of us focused on our goals and resolutions, it doesn’t mean that we should deprive ourselves from the things we love, in this case, it’s food. For me specifically, its pasta.

I simply refuse to give up what makes me happy and content. That being said, you can enjoy the same foods you love in moderation with simply changes in some ingredients that you’ve indulged in in this past but aren’t so good for you.

I personally love hearty and creamy pastas, they’re comforting and (let’s not forget) delicious. But, it’s also important for me to consider health and create recipes that still allow me to enjoy pasta, just with lighter ingredients.

Here is a pasta you can enjoy without the guilt and the heavy sauces, my Zucchini Basil Rigatoni. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s made with simple ingredients that are still enjoyable for everyone. To make it even lighter, you can also substitute your pasta for this recipe with a gluten free pasta, and even switch out the parmesan with some vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, making it a vegan and dairy free dish!

It’s all about moderation and substitution, but not so much that you rid yourself of the joy of eating. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, all you need is 20 minutes and ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

Let’s begin.

Ingredients

• 6 oz Rigatoni pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 small-medium zucchinis (about 10 oz), sliced
• 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for taste 
• 1 cup pasta water
• pinch of red chili flakes
• 4 large basil leaves, chopped.
• 1 oz freshly grated parmesan

How to Make The Best Zucchini Basil Rigatoni

1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain. Save the water. 

2. In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the garlic. Stir around for couple of minutes. 

3. Add in the zucchini, salt and chili flakes. Sautee for about 5 minutes. 

4. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to the zucchini and simmer on low for another 5 minutes. The zucchini should be soft but not too mushy. 

5. Add in the cooked pasta, the basil, the parmesan and the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Mix well on low heat until the parmesan has melted and majority of the water has absorbed. 

6. Sprinkle with more salt to taste, and enjoy!

What to Serve With Zucchini Basil Rigatoni Pasta

Here are some of my delicious side dish recipes that would perfectly pair with this light and simple meal:

• Tuscan White Bean Soup
• Tomato and Cheese Cauliflower Bake
• Sauteed Green Beans with Sliced Almonds
• Roasted Parmesan Brussel Sprouts

Check out my Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for more mouth watering content and recipe inspiration! Leave a comment below this post to share your feedback, I would greatly appreciate it!

Happy Cravings!