Creamy Zucchini Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love Creamy Zucchini Spaghetti Recipe

• The whole‑wheat spaghetti gives a hearty texture and adds fiber, making it more nutritious than a standard pasta.

• Zucchini brings freshness, a slight sweetness, and vibrant green color to the plate, helping balance the rich cream sauce.

• The garlic, onion and lemon‑zest flavor base keeps things bright and aromatic, so the cream doesn’t feel heavy or one‑dimensional.

• It comes together in about 30 minutes—quick enough for a weeknight yet tasteful enough to serve guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces whole‑wheat spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon extra‑virgin olive oil, divided

• ¼ cup plain dry whole‑wheat breadcrumbs

• 2 teaspoons salt‑free Italian seasoning, divided

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

• 6 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into half‑moons (about 2 cups)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 7 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Stir in the breadcrumbs and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, stir in lemon zest, and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.

3. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté the onion over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Add the zucchini, salt, pepper, and remaining Italian seasoning. Spread the mixture evenly and let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to brown. Stir and cook another 2–3 minutes until evenly golden. Remove from heat.

5. Return skillet to medium heat. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta, about 5 minutes.

6. Divide into bowls, top with breadcrumb mixture, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Active time: approximately 30 minutes

• Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

• Replace whole‑wheat spaghetti with regular or gluten‑free pasta.

• Use half‑and‑half or a milk‑butter combo instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

• Stir in spinach or kale for added greens.

• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Use toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts in place of breadcrumbs for a nutty crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium‑low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

• Tip: Add the breadcrumb topping fresh just before serving to retain crunch.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Whole‑wheat spaghetti is recommended, but you can use regular, gluten‑free, or even pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of whole‑wheat?

Yes, any dry breadcrumbs will work, though whole‑wheat adds more fiber and texture.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. For a vegan version, use plant‑based cream and cheese alternatives.

How can I make this lighter in calories or fat?

Use light cream, reduce the amount of cheese, or swap the heavy cream for a milk‑based alternative.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Substitute with half‑and‑half or a mixture of milk and butter for a similar richness.

Will the zucchini get soggy if overcooked?

Yes, overcooking can cause mushiness. Brown it slightly for better texture and flavor.

Can I prepare parts of this ahead of time?

Yes, chop vegetables and toast breadcrumbs in advance. Assemble just before serving for best results.

How does the reserved pasta water help?

It contains starch that thickens the sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta.

What should I serve with this dish?

Pair it with a green salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread.

Can I add a protein to this dish?

Yes—grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or beans like cannellini make great additions.

Conclusion

Creamy Zucchini Spaghetti is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining. With the freshness of zucchini, richness of cream and cheese, and brightness from lemon, it strikes a delicious balance. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a recipe worth adding to your dinner rotation.