Penne with Zucchini, Fresh Herbs, and Lemon Zest recipe Healthy: Our criteria for healthy recipes include (per serving): less than 550 calories for dinner; 5 g or less saturated fat; sodium mg less than the total calorie count; cholesterol 300 mg or less; minimal added sweeteners. Recipes that fall squarely within these criteria are marked with a green icon; those that are slightly outside them for one nutrient get a yellow icon.

Penne with Zucchini, Fresh Herbs, and Lemon Zest

by Ellie Krieger
One Star Two Stars Three Stars Four Stars Five Stars read reviews (6)

This go-to summer meal is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. It takes advantage of the bounty of zucchini and leaves it to the herbs to deliver the freshness of the season right to the plate—no cream or butter required. Serves four. (serving size, 2-1/4 cups)

See wine pairing for this recipe Quick: Takes 30 minutes or less, start to finish Vegetarian: May contain eggs and dairy ingredients Healthy: Our criteria for healthy recipes include (per serving): less than 550 calories for dinner; 5 g or less saturated fat; sodium mg less than the total calorie count; cholesterol 300 mg or less; minimal added sweeteners. Recipes that fall squarely within these criteria are marked with a green icon; those that are slightly outside them for one nutrient get a yellow icon. Test Kitchen Guaranteed: All recipes that run in Fine Cooking magazine are thoroughly tested in our test kitchen
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ingredient discovery
Ingredients kosher salt whole-wheat pasta penne pasta more more
Kosher salt
3/4 lb. whole wheat penne
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium zucchini (8 oz. each), cut in half lengthwise and sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half moons
4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh mint
3 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh basil
3 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until barely tender and just starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is soft and fragrant, an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water and drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the zucchini mixture along with the Parmigiano, mint, basil, and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, adding some of the reserved water if necessary to moisten the pasta, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect alongside Marinated Tomatoes with Pickled Red Onions & Gorgonzola.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 440; Fat (g): 15; Fat Calories (kcal): 140; Saturated Fat (g): 2.5; Protein (g): 15; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 10; Carbohydrates (g): 67; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2; Sodium (mg): 450; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 8;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 99 , pp. 33
May 6, 2009

user reviews

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Star Star Star Star Star by newkiwi, 8/31/2011This is delicious! and easy to prepare. I served it as a main course, and we both had seconds! Definitely a keeper.
Star Star Star Star Star by m2violin, 8/15/2010Delicious! I made this as a side dish for grilled chicken. I agree this can become a one-dish meal with the addition of chicken or shrimp, and maybe other vegetables such as peas.
Star Star Star Star Star by sweetberryfield, 8/1/2010loved this dish
Star Star Star Star Star by rlisav, 7/11/2010Excellent as is or, as another reviewer commented, a good base for any kind of toss-in. My non-vegetable eating adult family ate the pan clean.
Star Star Star Star Star by gingercook, 6/11/2009A good and quick recipe to make on a weeknight. My son, who is not normally a zucchini fan enjoyed this too. Will be making again.
Star Star Star Star Star by Itsgigi, 5/19/2009This was super! The taste was crisp and fresh. However, I did make a few changes. I added some diced cooked chicken, about 1/4 cup sliced scallions, and about 1/2 cup frozen peas. I think I would have liked some mushrooms too. I also think you could change any veggie with the herbs and garlic and it would taste great! I will definitely be making this again!
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