Zucchini Basil Pasta

Who doesn't love the idea of fast and easy one-pan meals? BUT is it really that easy to make successfully. With this zucchini pasta dish, you will get a resounding "YES!".

From the video, dinner is served!

One pan meals have become super popular for any number of reasons:

• They are big time-savers and clean up is minimal. I mean it's one pan!

• There are endless possibilities and I share that in the recipe video.

• You can make them well-rounded and healthy.

• Seasoning is straight-forward and consistent so every bite is packed with flavor.

• One pan meals are budget-friendly, usually requiring fewer ingredients and cooking steps.

• They're great for families or for entertaining...BONUS!

Here is the recipe I adapted from NYT Cooking (I changed up a few ingredients). So, make it your own. Be creative. In the video, I point out that you start by boiling the stock/broth so you don't need any other pans. Genius! Love that!

Enjoy this one-pan wonder tonight!

One Pot Zucchini Basil Pasta

Serve 4

2¾ cups vegetable stock

12 ounces medium pasta shells

2 medium zucchini (about 14 ounces total), trimmed and cut into ½-inch cubes

4 ounces softened cream cheese

1 large garlic clove, finely chopped

⅓ packed cup thinly sliced basil

Kosher salt and black pepper

3 tablespoons slivered toasted almonds

3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

In a large, deep 12-inch skillet, bring stock to a boil over high heat. Once stock boils, stir in pasta, zucchini, cream cheese, garlic and half the basil; season generously with salt and pepper and reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender, and liquid is reduced until thickened and creamy, 12 to 13 minutes, adding a splash of water during the last few minutes of cooking if needed to moisten. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

While the pasta is simmering, prepare the gremolata: Chop almonds and parsley with remaining basil until finely chopped and combined; season with salt and pepper.

Divide pasta among shallow bowls. Sprinkle with gremolata and serve immediately.