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Zucchini Carbonara 16.png

Zucchini Carbonara


  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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