Description
A flavorful and comforting dish featuring garlic butter zucchini noodles and ditalini pasta cooked in savory chicken stock, topped with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and slightly golden noodle dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 large zucchini squash (freshly grated)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Dairy and Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups ditalini pasta
- 4 cups chicken stock
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Zucchini: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the freshly grated zucchini along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until the zucchini reduces in volume and turns slightly golden.
- Add Butter and Toast Pasta: To the same pan, add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until the pasta becomes toasty and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Simmer with Chicken Stock: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 10 to 12 minutes until the stock is mostly absorbed and the pasta is tender.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Freshly grated zucchini cooks down significantly, so the large amount will yield a light, vegetable-packed dish.
- Keep stirring often during cooking to prevent sticking and to toast the pasta evenly.
- Using freshly minced garlic ensures the best flavor and aroma.
- You can substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make the recipe vegetarian.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce butter amount or substitute with olive oil.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
