Description
🥒 Light, veggie‑rich zucchini adds a fresh twist to classic carbonara without heavy cream.
🍝 Quick, 20‑minute preparation makes it perfect for a satisfying mid‑summer dinner.
Ingredients
– 4 medium zucchini, cubed
– 2 Tbsp olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, crushed
– 2 large eggs
– 50 g Pecorino Romano, grated
– Fine sea salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, generous pinch
– 180 g spaghetti
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1-First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the crushed garlic and a pinch of salt, then stir in the cubed zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to keep the flavors fresh.
2-Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain it while reserving a splash of the cooking water. This step ensures your pasta has the perfect texture without being overly sticky.
3-In a bowl, whisk together the two eggs, grated Pecorino Romano, a pinch of salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper to form the creamy base of your sauce. The key here is to mix it well for a smooth consistency.
4-Return the skillet to low heat and add the drained pasta, tossing it to combine with the zucchini. Quickly pour the egg-cheese mixture over the hot pasta and toss vigorously the residual heat will thicken the sauce without scrambling the eggs.
5-If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency, then serve immediately. Dust with extra Pecorino, a crack of black pepper, and a few fresh mint leaves for a bright finish that elevates the whole dish.
Notes
⏱ Work efficiently while the pasta water is boiling; the sauce depends on the heat from the pasta and zucchini.
🥚 Do not re‑heat the pan after adding the egg mixture, or the eggs will scramble.
🌿 Fresh mint adds a seasonal pop of flavor and brightens the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stir‑fry and toss
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (≈ 150 g) of pasta with zucchini
Keywords: zucchini, carbonara, summer, pasta
