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Saucy pasta with shredded zucchini piled high on plate with fork scooping bite.

Easy One-Pot Saucy Zucchini Pasta

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces small pasta, like small shells, elbow macaroni, ditalini, etc, about 3 cups
  • 28-ounce jar pasta sauce (see note!), about 3 cups
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Pinch crushed red pepper, optional
  • 2 to 3 cups shredded zucchini (no need to peel), about one medium 10 to 11 ounce zucchini
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving, if desired

Instructions 

  • In a deep skillet or wide saucepan, combine the pasta, pasta sauce, water, milk, salt, basil, oregano, and crushed pepper, if using.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Continue simmering for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring often (this pasta will stick if the heat is too high, so keep a close eye on the pan and just keep it at a gentle simmer).
  • Stir in the zucchini and continue simmering for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.
  • NOTES:
    Add cooking time as needed. Different pasta brands will vary in exact cooking time.
    Moderate heat as needed and stir often so the pasta doesn't stick.
    Add additional liquid (water is fine) a little at a time if pasta is sticking or too thick.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste, and add additional salt, if needed.
  • Serve warm with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. The pasta will continue to thicken as it rests/cools.
  • The pasta is super tasty served as a meatless meal. It is also delicious served with meatballs (when doing so, I cook the meatballs and stir them into the pasta at the end before serving).

Notes

Pasta Sauce: My favorite pasta sauce is Rao's brand. I grab it from Costco (where it comes in 28-ounce jars, which is perfect for this recipe). If you only have a 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce, add another 1/2 cup water (or 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes).
Subbing Crushed Tomatoes: You can sub in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes for the pasta sauce. If doing so, double the dried basil and oregano. Also add 1 teaspoon brown sugar and a splash of soy sauce (optional) for flavor.
Zucchini: No need to peel the zucchini before using, just trim the ends. The zucchini can be shredded on the small or large holes of the box grater.