Delicious Summer Squash Pasta Skillet Recipe to Savor

The warm summer sun gleams through the kitchen window as I whip up a delightful Summer Squash Pasta Skillet. The aroma of sautéed garlic and fresh basil fills the air, awakening my taste buds like an unexpected surprise party. This dish, vibrant and colorful, is not just a meal it’s a celebration of the season.

Every bite of this delightful pasta dish evokes memories of childhood summers spent at my grandma’s house, where we’d feast on garden-fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for those lazy afternoons when you want something comforting yet light, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family barbecue everyone went back for seconds, and my cousin declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta of Choice: I love using penne or rotini for their perfect sauce-hugging curves.
• Summer Squash: Choose firm, brightly colored squash like zucchini or yellow squash for freshness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness and add vibrant color to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves to elevate your dish with their aromatic essence.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key its pungent aroma will fill your kitchen with happiness.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps sauté those veggies to perfection.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty richness don’t skimp on this essential ingredient
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing all your veggies thoroughly. Slice the summer squash into half-moons and halve the cherry tomatoes. Keep them colorful and fresh

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add Summer Squash & Tomatoes: Stir in the sliced summer squash and halved tomatoes. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain their shape.

Toss Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with vegetables. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over everything while tossing gently to combine all flavors.

Season & Serve: Season your Summer Squash Pasta Skillet with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Cook for an additional minute before serving hot, garnished with more cheese if desired.

Enjoy this easy-to-make dish that brings summer flavors right into your kitchen

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic and onions until fragrant, then add your summer squash. Cook your pasta separately to avoid mushiness, and combine everything just before serving.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in zucchini or bell peppers for variety. A sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes adds a personal flair that can elevate this dish

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat on the stovetop for best results without losing flavor or texture.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that time my friends came over for dinner. They couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so amazing It’s great when people enjoy what you’ve cooked.

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables in Summer Squash Pasta Skillet?

Absolutely Zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach work wonderfully in this dish.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well and complements the squash nicely.

How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is inherently vegetarian just ensure your pasta and cheese are meat-free

Print

Summer Squash Pasta Skillet

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Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this quick and easy Summer Squash Pasta Skillet. This delightful dish combines tender pasta, fresh summer squash, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil for a colorful, satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 medium summer squash (zucchini or yellow squash), sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare all vegetables by washing and slicing the summer squash and halving the cherry tomatoes.
2. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add sliced summer squash and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften but retain their shape.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta along with grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil before serving hot.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute zucchini with bell peppers or add spinach for extra nutrition. To enhance flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.