Mark'S Pasta With Zucchini
Mark's Pasta With Zucchini offers a flavorful, savory combination of zucchini, ham, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suited to pasta lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely minced ⓘ
- 2 small pepperoncini, crushed ⓘ
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 2 pounds small zucchini, diced small
- 4 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated ⓘ
- 1 pound penne pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 pound cooked ham, cut in small pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add cooked ham, pepperoncini, salt, and parsley to the pan.
- Sauté over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Add diced zucchini and cook until very limp, stirring frequently.
- Add butter and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Cook pasta separately according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the zucchini mixture.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper or a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions and garlic. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with vegetable broth. For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add some sautéed mushrooms. Fresh basil can be used instead of parsley for a different herbaceous note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or Italian Peas for a refreshing side. A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors well. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mark'S Pasta With Zucchini contains roughly 774 calories, with 12g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2268mg per serving (99% 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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh before serving to maintain its texture. Combine everything just before serving for the best flavor and consistency.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can easily increase the protein content by adding cooked chicken or shrimp. Tofu is also a great plant-based option if you want to keep it vegetarian. Just sauté the protein of choice along with the onions and garlic for an added depth of flavor.
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).