One-Pot Creamy Zucchini Pasta (Pasta e Zucchini )
This one-pot creamy zucchini pasta is a traditional Italian recipe where pasta cooks directly with zucchini, onion, and olive oil, creating a naturally creamy sauce with Parmesan and pasta starch.
Ingredients
- 12 0z. small pasta (ditalini, small shells, or broken spaghetti)
- 3 medium zucchini small dice
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil extra virgin
- 3 cups water or light broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup Italian parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the base
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.Add the diced zucchini, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until they begin to soften.2. Add the pasta
Add the dry pasta directly to the pot.Pour in about 3½ cups water or broth, just enough to cover the pasta.Bring to a gentle simmer.3. Cook everything together
Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.As the pasta cooks, the liquid will reduce and the starch will create a creamy sauce.If needed, add a little more water as it cooks.This should take about 10–12 minutes, depending on the pasta.4. Finish the pasta
When the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat.Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the pasta becomes silky and coated.Taste and adjust seasoning.5. Serve
Serve hot with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.