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Creamy Zucchini, Tomato & Ricotta Pasta

Creamy Tomato, Zucchini & Ricotta Pasta - a quick and easy weeknight dinner

 

I can not believe today is the last real day of summer break.  The summer has really just flown by.  Yesterday, I took my son to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.  He loves exploring there, and having fun with all of the hands-on exhibits.  We have also had some of friends over to play this week.  And this afternoon we are heading to the pool for our last day of fun.  It seems like there was so much else I planned on us doing, but we just ran out of time.  One of my husband’s college roommates is going to be in town this weekend.  And one of my best friends is going to be here next week, on her move across the country.  So just because school is starting, doesn’t mean things are slowing down around here.

Creamy Zucchini, Tomato & Ricotta Pasta {Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts}

The one thing that is good about the end of summer is all the zucchini that is coming out of my garden.  Last year I got so many zucchini, I did not know what to do with it!  So this year, I only planted 1 plant.  I am still getting more than I know what to do with.  I have a chocolate cake recipe coming up for you next week.  But in the mean time, I am putting it in pasta, salads, and just about anything I can think of.  It seems that everyone who grows zucchini has more they can deal with, so just ask your neighbors or co-workers if you don’t have any, I am sure they have plenty!  And with this ricotta pasta, you can even use up some of those tomatoes that are in your garden as well.  Canned tomatoes will work just as well, so don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb 🙂

Creamy Zucchini, Tomato & Ricotta Pasta - fresh zucchini and tomatoes in a creamy ricotta sauce

The original recipe for this ricotta pasta called for making your own ricotta.  It sounds pretty quick and easy, just boiling milk and buttermilk and then draining.  But I took a shortcut and just used store bought ricotta.  So easy, and dinner is ready in just a few minutes.  If you have the time and motivation to make your own, please come back and let me know how it worked out!  Serve this zucchini pasta with a salad or a loaf of crusty bread and you have a great quick and easy dinner.  The leftovers are great the next day for lunch as well!

Yield: 5

Creamy Zucchini, Tomato & Ricotta Pasta

Creamy Tomato, Zucchini & Ricotta Pasta - a quick and easy weeknight dinner

A quick and easy pasta dish with zucchini and tomatoes in a creamy ricotta sauce.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
  • 12 oz spaghetti, or other long cut pasta
  • 1 Tbls olive oil
  • 2 medium size zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes, (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbls basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil, and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid.
  2. In a skillet brown Italian sausage until cooked through.
  3. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the zucchini, and saute for a couple minutes. Add garlic, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 2 more minutes, until zucchini is almost cooked. Add tomatoes, and stir until warmed.
  4. In a large bowl combine cooked pasta, zucchini mixture, sausage, and ricotta cheese. Stir until well combined. Add reserved cooking liquid if it needs to be thinned out. Stir in basil.
  5. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adapted from Cooking Light

Nutrition Information

Yield

5

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 461Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 46mgSodium 1084mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 4gSugar 6gProtein 23g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

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Erin S
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Alison

Monday 29th of July 2019

Could you make this with with zoodles instead of spaghetti?

Erin S

Sunday 4th of August 2019

Sorry for the delayed response. I am sure you could - I would probably just leave out the zucchini in the recipe.

Deb

Friday 5th of August 2016

This was so good!! Leftovers also, thanks for sharing.

Erin S

Saturday 6th of August 2016

So glad you liked it Deb!

Dee Ann Waite

Friday 21st of August 2015

This sounds awesome but I'll most likely make mine vegetarian. I'll add a little mushroom and red onion. Thanks for this. I wish I could grow zuchinni...more to it, I wish I could grow ANYTHING, but I have the blackest thumb you've ever seen. In fact, I swear I hear plants moan as I walk by. :( Fresh produce stands are my best friends.

Jaime

Sunday 12th of July 2015

Made this tonight with our #FreshForkMarket sausage, zucchini, and garlic! It was so yummy!

Erin S

Monday 13th of July 2015

So glad you enjoyed it!! Good sausage definitely makes it better :)

susan @ the wimpy vegetarian

Wednesday 27th of August 2014

This is perfect for summer!!

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