Zucchini Cream Cheese Pasta, so creamy you won’t believe how quick it is to make. And how delicious too. The Perfect Weeknight quick Pasta Dish. A light vegetarian dinner idea!
Needless to say this is a strange summer we are heading into, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create delicious dinners to eat or share with friends and family (eventually). So with the start of Summer it’s great once again to taste all the fresh grown veggies, whether you grow them or your local farmer does. And one vegetable that I have grown to love over the years is Zucchini. Especially served in this simple pasta recipe! It is a good one!
So easy and ready in 20 minutes. It has become a family favourite. I first tried it when my sister-in-law made it, she used whole fat cream cheese, but it is just as delicious with the light version.
How to make it
In a medium to large sized pan add the olive oil, the chopped zucchini, oregano, salt, parsley and water, cook stirring occasionally until water has evaporated and the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.
While the zucchini is cooking, cook the pasta al dente in boiling salted water. When zucchini is done, add the cream cheese and a little pasta water. Mix gently until the zucchini and cream cheese are well combined and creamy.
Immediately add the cooked pasta and gently combine. Serve immediately. Top with chopped fresh parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.
Is Zucchini good for you?
Yes it is, it contains vitamins C and A, potassium, folate, and fiber. All of these help to maintain a healthy heart by decreasing the risk of a stroke and helping to reduce high blood pressure, and lower cholesterol.
What size zucchini should you use?
It can be made with either small zucchini or the larger ones. Just be sure to remove some of the inside pulp if you use the larger ones, cut the zucchini lengthwise then in quarters and using a sharp knife slice down the middle to remove the excess pulp, then chop into small pieces or the size you prefer.
Can I add extras to the dish?
Adding some sliced Italian sausages or even a few shrimp or scallops can make this a heartier dish if you wish.
Related Dishes
Creamy Italian Zucchini Risotto
So if you are looking for a quick, easy and delicious Pasta Dish, I hope you try this Zucchini Cream Cheese Pasta and let me know how you like it. Buon Appetito!
Zucchini Cream Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 small to medium sized zucchini diced
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley or fresh chopped (2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup water (125 grams)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese light or regular (room temperature) (125 grams)
- 3 cups cooked penne pasta*, approximately 1 3/4 - 2 cups dried (200-275 grams) (400-490 grams)
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnishing
*approximately 1 3/4 - 2 cups dried pasta (200-275 grams)
Instructions
- In a medium to large sized pan add the olive oil, the chopped zucchini, oregano, salt, parsley and water, cook stirring occasionally until the water has evaporated and the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.
- While the zucchini is cooking, cook the pasta al dente in boiling salted water. When the zucchini is done, add the cream cheese and 1/4 ladle full of salted pasta water, mix gently until zucchini and cream cheese are well combined and creamy, immediately add cooked pasta, and gently mix. Serve immediately. Top with chopped fresh parsley and parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Updated August 28, 2014.
D says
I love this recipe! It’s so easy and quick to make, and it’s also really great if you’re cooking on a budget. I usually throw in some shrimp and that’s a really good meal. Tonight I didn’t want anything too heavy so I just went with zucchini. Equally satisfying. The recipe doesn’t call for it but I usually add some sauteed onions or throw in some green onions at the very end. This recipe is a keeper for sure.
Rosemary says
Hi D, thanks so much, great idea adding in some shrimp and onions. Glad you enjoy it. Have a great weekend.
Bonnie says
Very easy, tasty, not heavy. I added Basil at the end and added green onions to the zucchini. I would make it again.
Cheri Fry says
I saw this dish on ” Right this Minute Videos “. It looked so good , I had to try it . Oh my , sooo delicious and quick to make . Next time I am going to try adding shrimp or chicken !
Rosemary says
Hi Cheri, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. And yes adding shrimp or chicken would be delicious. Take care.
SHARYN says
is this an American Italian recipe ??
Rosemary says
Hi Sharyn, well I did get it from my sister-in-law who has never left Italy and only speaks Italian, so I would say yes. Italian Grocery stores have an incredible selection of different types of cream cheese. 🙂
Janet says
Made this the other night. OMG it was amazing!!! So quick and easy and so flavourful!!!! Thank you for making meal planning so easy!!
Rosemary says
Hi Janet, thanks, so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.
Adriana Percoco says
This looks delicious! Did you use dried or fresh oregano and parsley?
Rosemary says
Hi Adriana, I used dried oregano and dried and fresh parsley (fresh for garnishing). Hope that helps. Let me know how it turns out.
Catherine says
Dear Rose, this sounds and looks absolutely wonderful! I would love this, especially with a little sausage mixed in! xo, Catherine
Rosemary says
Hi Catherine, thanks and good idea with adding the sausage.
Bonnie says
Rosie! We are making the cream cheese zucchini tonight, and had your lasagna last night! The lasagna was to DIE for! I cannot WAIT to try this one! It might not beat the Nutella pie, but realistically, what could??
Rosemary says
Hey Bonnie, So glad you liked the lasagna. And the Zucchini Cream cheese pasta, hope you enjoyed it. I know not much can beat that Nutella pie! You should see what I did today! haha have a great weekend.!
Stephanie @ Stephanie's az kitchen says
Your recipe looks amazing 🙂 lol healthy and light which means I will need to add some meat but otherwise perfect. I am still nursing and need a bit more calories. I love autumn too. At the end of summer and fall there’s always an abundance of squash and zucchini. Looking fwd to trying this.
Rose says
Hi Stephanie, it is pretty light, although you could use regular cream cheese and adding some Italian sausage sounds like it would be a good idea. Enjoy.
marybellebuono says
I too am Italian and love Eggplant so did fall in love with your wonderful recipe for Eggplant Pasta, along with the Zucchini Pasta, thank you so much for sharing 🙂
rose says
Hi Mary, thank you so much, I am glad you enjoy the recipes, eggplant pasta was always one of my favourites! Have a great day.