Fettucine With Zucchini Mushroom Sauce
A creamy fettucine dish featuring zucchini and mushroom sauce, rich Parmesan flavor, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal with fresh herbs and garlic notes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 zucchini, cut into matchstick-thin pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fettucine
- 1 cup half and half ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley ⓘ
- dash grated nutmeg ⓘ
- 8 ounces spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes and basil, season with salt, and heat through.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with tomato mixture.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella, toss to combine, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the garlic and olive oil before adding the tomatoes. If you want to reduce the fat, you can substitute half of the butter with vegetable broth. For a vegetarian twist, use a mix of seasonal vegetables in addition to the zucchini and mushrooms, or browse more vegetarian recipes to enhance this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal or a fresh green salad for a lighter option. It pairs beautifully with Italian Vegetables In Beer Batter for a delightful dinner spread. For a garnish, sprinkle additional fresh parsley and serve with extra Parmesan on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of half and half to keep the sauce creamy. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fettucine With Zucchini Mushroom Sauce contains roughly 1235 calories, with 39g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2591mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! This sauce works well with various pasta shapes such as fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorite Italian herbs.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until ready to serve to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. It's a great option for an easy weekday meal!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).