Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta Bake is a comforting and bright dish perfect for any night of the week. It combines tender zucchini, tangy lemon, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce baked to golden perfection. Simple to prepare, it’s a delightful way to enjoy pasta with fresh flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, sauté the sliced zucchinis and minced garlic over medium heat until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
5. Step 5: In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed zucchini and garlic, and cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• To add protein, mix in cooked chicken or crispy bacon before baking.
• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream.
• Try adding a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To prevent drying, cover with foil when reheating in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor.

Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 72 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender pasta with sautéed zucchini, a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, and Parmesan cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal that balances fresh garden flavors with rich creaminess.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the pasta dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Zucchini and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced zucchinis and minced garlic until they become tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Prepare Cream Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring well to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, sautéed zucchini and garlic, and the cream sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.
6. Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, folding it into the pasta mixture.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and has a golden crust.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but the sauce may be less rich.
• If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the zucchini and garlic.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it from becoming mushy after baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta Bake, baked pasta, zucchini pasta recipe, lemon pasta bake, vegetarian pasta bake