Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts

This easy zucchini pasta recipe is a flavour BOMB! Zesty lemon garlic sauce with tender-crisp zucchini noodles. A quick & healthy weeknight dinner idea. Get the recipe now!

June 3, 2025
By Chloe Patel.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Recipe Introduction: Zesty Zucchini Bliss

Fancy a quick and easy dinner that's both healthy and bursting with flavour? This zucchini pasta recipe is your new best mate. Honestly, it's become a staple in my house.

A Quick Slurp of Sunshine

Ever had one of those days where you just crave something light and refreshing? this zucchini pasta recipe is like sunshine in a bowl.

Think bright lemon, garlicky goodness, and perfectly al dente zucchini "noodles." it's genuinely one of my fave easy dinner recipes with veggies !

A Taste of Italy, Without the Airfare

This dish takes inspiration from classic italian flavors. while not strictly traditional, it captures the essence of simple, fresh ingredients.

Originating from the need to make healthy food taste great without compromising speed. it's dead easy to make, clocking in at around 25 minutes.

This recipe yields 2 servings. perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch. you know what else i love? it doubles as a killer side dish.

Why This Zucchini Pasta Recipe Rocks

The best bit? this zucchini pasta is packed with nutrients. zucchini itself is low in calories and a great source of vitamins.

It's a fantastic dinner idea nutritious . perfect for those "i want to eat healthy, but i'm starving" moments. honestly, what makes this recipe special is the zesty lemon garlic sauce.

It brings the whole dish to life. i love to serve it when i want something quick, delicious, and guilt-free.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing zucchini pasta recipe . honestly, it's so easy, even my mate dave (who once burnt water.

..) could manage it. this is one of my favourite easy dinner recipes with veggies !

Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:2 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound / 450g), spiralized into noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) (60ml) - Optional, can sub with chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (30ml) (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)

Instructions:

• Spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. (If using a vegetable peeler, create wide ribbons.)
• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from skillet and set aside. (Approximately 3-5 minutes). Watch carefully, they burn easily!
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• If using white wine, carefully pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet and stir to combine.
• Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the zucchini is slightly tender-crisp but still has some bite. Avoid overcooking, which will make them watery.
• Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast).

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

First, the stars of the show. I learned this from my Nonna, good ingredients are key.

Main Ingredients

• Zucchini Pasta: 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound / 450g ). Spiralized, of course! Bigger zucchini can have more water in them.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Extra virgin, if you're feeling fancy.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, mate!
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick).
• White Wine (Optional): 1/4 cup (60ml) - Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. I like the taste of using white wine, but feel free to replace it with chicken broth
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Freshly squeezed, yeah?
• Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon. Adds a lovely aroma!
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Fresh is always best!
• Pine Nuts: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Adds a nice crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons (30ml), grated. Or nutritional yeast for vegan peeps.

Thinking of simple italian sausage recipes ? you could also use dishes with chicken sausage , they'd be great in the zucchini pasta recipe

Seasoning Notes: A Little Spice Never Hurt Nobody

This is where the magic happens. These flavor enhancers and aromatics are essential.

• Essential Spice Combinations: Garlic + Lemon + Parsley = Italian gold!
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Don't skimp on the lemon zest! It's like sunshine in your mouth.
• Quick Substitution Options: No pine nuts? Use slivered almonds. No Parmesan? Nutritional yeast to the rescue! This recipe is perfect for dinner ideas nutritious.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!

You don't need a Michelin star kitchen. Essential tools only , I promise!

• Spiralizer: For turning zucchini into "pasta." If you don't have one, a vegetable peeler works too.
• Large Skillet: For cooking the zucchini.
• Small Dry Skillet: For toasting the pine nuts.
• And the usual suspects: Measuring cups/spoons, cutting board, and a knife.

The zucchini pasta recipe is one of my favourite easy meals with veggies to share.

Alright, let's dive into something i'm totally obsessed with: zucchini pasta! i'm calling this one zesty lemon garlic zucchini pasta with toasted pine nuts .

Honestly, if you're looking for easy dinner recipes with veggies , this is it . it’s like sunshine on a plate! this dish is so quick and easy, it’s a weeknight winner, winner, easy meals with veggies dinner! it's also a killer pasta dish with zucchini .

Did you know? globally, the zucchini market is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2027. that's a whole lot of zucchini!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your BFF

Before you even think about turning on the stove, let's get our ducks in a row, yeah? this is essential mise en place , darling! first, spiralize your 2 medium zucchini.

Got one of those fancy spiralizers? awesome! no spiralizer? no problem! use a vegetable peeler to make ribbons. this looks fab too! minced two cloves of garlic.

Chop some fresh parsley. measure out your lemon juice, like 2 tablespoons worth. toast those pine nuts. grate your parmesan, 2 tablespoons, as well.

Having everything prepped makes cooking a breeze.

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

Okay, now for the fun part! Here’s how to make this amazing zucchini pasta recipe :

1. Pat your spiralized zucchini dry. This gets rid of excess water.
2. Toast 2 tablespoons of pine nuts in a dry pan. 3- 5 minutes on medium heat, until golden.
3. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and some red pepper flakes (optional!) in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Do this for about 30 seconds .
4. If you're feeling fancy, deglaze the pan. Pour in 1/4 cup of dry white wine. Simmer for 1- 2 minutes .
5. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and lemon zest.
6. Toss in your zucchini noodles. Cook for just 2- 3 minutes . They should be tender but still have a bit of bite .
7. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
8. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Zucchini Pasta Perfection

Alright, time for a few ninja tricks i've learned along the way. first, salt your zucchini before cooking. it draws out moisture, so you don’t get a soggy mess.

Another secret: don’t overcook the zucchini . it should be a little crisp. lastly, toasting the pine nuts makes all the difference! now, if you are more of a italian sausage and squash recipes person, i understand.

You can cook some dishes with chicken sausage on the side for some extra flavor.

Recipe Notes That'll Make Your Zucchini Pasta Sing!

Right, so you're about to dive into this zucchini pasta recipe , eh? awesome! but before you get all gordon ramsay on it, let's chat about a few things i've learned along the way.

Think of it as my little tips 'n' tricks session, just for you. honestly, these easy dinner recipes with veggies don't get much easier, but a little know-how goes a long way.

Plating Pizzazz & Perfect Pairings

Let's talk presentation, darling! i like to twirl my pasta dish with zucchini into a cute little nest on the plate.

A sprinkle of extra toasted pine nuts? oh my gosh, yes! for drinks, a crisp glass of pinot grigio works wonders.

Want some sides? try this recipe alongside grilled chicken or pan-seared italian sausage and squash recipes , banging ! these options make it feel like a proper celebration, not just some easy meals with veggies .

Storage Savvy

Listen up, 'cause nobody likes soggy zucchini. if you've got leftovers of this healthy dinner recipes one pot wonder, chuck it in the fridge in an airtight container.

It'll be good for about 2-3 days. freezing? not recommended, mate. the zucchini will turn to mush. when reheating, give it a gentle warm-up in a pan.

Avoid the microwave if you can to prevent that soggy situation. i'm telling you, prevention is key !

Remix Your Recipe

Fancy a tweak? if you are looking for dinner ideas nutritious , you can also swap it up, try it by adding some cooked chicken or dishes with chicken sausage for protein.

For a seasonal twist, try using butternut squash in the autumn for a similar texture and a sweeter flavour. if you are seeking dinner ideas with squash , this recipe can be your starting point.

For a veggie-forward option, throw in some roasted bell peppers or mushrooms. it's all about what you fancy, really! i like to spice things up.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so let's be real, this zucchini pasta recipe is quite healthy. it's low in carbs, high in vitamins, and packed with fiber.

Think of it as your secret weapon for feeling good. plus, all those lovely veggies mean you're getting a decent dose of antioxidants.

This makes it perfect if you are looking for some simple italian sausage recipes . every bite of this zucchini pasta recipe is a step toward a happier, healthier you.

So there you have it, my friend. a few extra tips to make your zucchini pasta recipe experience even better.

Now go forth, cook, and enjoy! you've got this! and remember, even if it's not perfect, it's homemade, and that's what counts.