Patty'S Zucchini Sauce
A vibrant zucchini tomato sauce with fresh herbs and Parmesan, perfect for a quick, flavorful pasta dish suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large can whole peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 or 2 small zucchini peeled ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp chives ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp fresh chopped basil ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp lemon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp red wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Crush the tomatoes in a saucepan and set aside.
- Chop the zucchini, onion, and garlic into small pieces.
- Saute the zucchini, onion, garlic, parsley, and basil in a Teflon frying pan with oil for about 10 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the sauteed mixture and heat to boiling.
- Add salt, pepper, lemon pepper, red wine, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Simmer uncovered for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before serving over spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar. If zucchini is unavailable, yellow squash works well as a substitute. Fresh herbs like oregano can replace parsley and basil. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This sauce can also be used as a topping for Spinach Stuffed Manicotti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this zucchini sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Italian Crostini or a fresh Insalata (Italian Tomato Salad) for a complete meal. It's a fantastic vegetarian dish that can brighten up any dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This sauce also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Patty'S Zucchini Sauce contains roughly 352 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1692mg per serving (74% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini sauce a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of whole peeled tomatoes?
If you don't have whole peeled tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute. Just be mindful of the texture; crushed tomatoes will create a smoother sauce while diced will add some chunkiness.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This zucchini sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months, making it a great make-ahead meal option.
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).