- Whole-wheat spaghetti, fresh zucchini and a garlic-infused cream sauce make an easy, comforting dish.
- Zucchini supplies vitamin C to promote a healthy immune system.
- Customize with any pasta type or add greens like spinach for a nutrient and flavor boost.
This Creamy Zucchini Spaghetti comes together quickly with minimal dishes to dirty—perfect for busy weeknights. Fiber-rich whole-wheat spaghetti teams up with antioxidant-filled zucchini and the classic flavors of onion, garlic and Italian seasonings. A silky cream sauce clings to the noodles and vegetables, while a shot of lemon juice balances the salty Parmesan cheese. Keep reading for our expert tips, including ingredient substitutions.
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
- For this recipe, we chose to use whole-wheat spaghetti, but you can opt for any type or shape of pasta you prefer—fettuccine, penne, bucatini, fusilli.
- When you incorporate pasta water into a dish, as we do in this recipe, the starch in the water helps thicken the sauce and allows it to cling to the pasta, enhancing both flavor and texture.
- Keep in mind that Parmesan cheese, like many other cheeses, is typically made with animal rennet. If this is a concern for you, there are some excellent plant-based alternatives available at your local market.
- Feel free to add some greens to the sauce, such as spinach or kale, or toss in a protein like chicken or shrimp.
Nutrition Notes
- Whole-wheat spaghetti adds filling fiber to this dish. As an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, whole-wheat spaghetti provides your brain with fuel and your body with an energy boost. If you can’t get past the nuttier flavor and heartier texture of whole-wheat spaghetti, feel free to use regular spaghetti, which will still provide carbohydrates and a little bit of fiber.
- Zucchini brings its own set of nutrients to this pasta meal, including a touch of fiber. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, which is great for your skin and immune system. It’s also loaded with antioxidants, which will help calm inflammation in your body.
- Onions add some more fiber and antioxidants to this meal. Their antioxidants and sulfur support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and may even reduce your risk of cancer.
- Garlic is in the same family as onions and has many of the same health benefits, including for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Regularly including garlic in your recipes will also help support your immune system and reduce your risk of illness.
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
