Go Back
–+ servings
Light Summer Squash Pasta

Light Summer Squash Pasta for a Quick, Fresh Dinner Delight

A quick and delightful dish featuring fresh summer squash, goat cheese, and pasta—perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz De Cecco Pasta recommended for a robust foundation
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt plus more to taste
For the Vegetables
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for sautéing
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 Summer Squash sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 Zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 oz Goat Cheese creamy
  • 1.5 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice fresh juice is key
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
For the Finishing Touches
  • 3 tbsp Toasted Pine Nuts or walnuts as substitute
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chiffonade
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Light Summer Squash Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of water over high heat and salt it generously.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  2. Mince garlic, slice summer squash and zucchini, zest and juice lemon, and measure other ingredients.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  3. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  5. Add sliced summer squash and zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  6. Season with salt and black pepper; reduce heat to low to meld flavors.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  7. Fold drained pasta into the skillet and combine with lemon juice and reserved water.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  8. Stir in butter and goat cheese to create a creamy sauce.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  9. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta
  10. Serve in bowls and garnish with pine nuts, basil, and additional cheese if desired.
    Light Summer Squash Pasta

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is customizable; add proteins if desired and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!