Zesty Summer Squash Pasta Skillet

Dive into a world of simple yet sensational flavors with my favorite Summer Squash Pasta Skillet recipe. Picture this: tender rounds of zucchini and summer squash, perfectly cooked pasta, and a medley of nutty brown butter, tangy goat cheese, and toasty pine nuts all harmonizing in one skillet. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a lifesaver for those chaotic weeknights when time is short but the craving for a delicious homemade dinner is strong.

Last summer, this recipe rescued me from a garden overflowing with squash and a hectic evening with work emails and kids’ squabbles. The magic of this skillet lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a dish that captivates even the pickiest eaters. Trust me, I’ve witnessed vegetable skeptics going back for seconds and kids happily devouring their greens without a fuss. So, whether you’re seeking a quick family dinner solution or a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings, this Summer Squash Pasta Skillet is your answer to flavorful simplicity.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy the combination of flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults
• Versatile: Can be customized with different ingredients like zucchini noodles, red pepper flakes, or additional proteins for variety
• Leftover Friendly: Tastes great reheated for lunch the next day, with flavors melding together for an even better taste

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Summer Squash Pasta Skillet Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast but still want a delicious homemade meal.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy this dish, with its flavorful combination of nutty brown butter, tender squash, and tangy goat cheese.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with options like adding grilled chicken or Italian sausage for heartier meals, or swapping pasta for zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
• Impressive Flavor: The nutty richness of brown butter, creamy tang of goat cheese, and textural contrast of pine nuts create a memorable and satisfying dish.
• Great for Entertaining: Serve straight from the skillet for casual family dinners, or pair with a side salad and wine for a date night or dinner with friends.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day, with flavors melding overnight for an even more delicious experience.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From family dinners to potlucks, this recipe has consistently wowed guests and become a beloved go-to dish in many households.

Ingredients for Zesty Summer Squash Pasta Skillet

Main Ingredients

• 1 small zucchini squash, sliced into rounds
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• freshly cracked black pepper
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 small summer squash, sliced into rounds
• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• kosher salt

How to Make Zesty Summer Squash Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta following package instructions.

Step 2: Toast pine nuts

Cook the pine nuts in a skillet over medium-low heat until golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat promptly.

Step 3: Brown the butter

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk constantly until it turns golden brown and brown bits begin to form on the bottom.

Step 4: Cook the squash

Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and squash rounds, toss to coat, and cook for 5 minutes until the zucchini softens. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine pasta and vegetables

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the zucchini over low heat. Toss to combine and coat everything with butter.

Step 6: Add cheese and seasonings

Add crumbled goat cheese and toss to combine. Season with a few additional turns of black pepper.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Add the pine nuts, then stir in the fresh basil and serve promptly.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your delicious summer squash pasta skillet, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors of the dish actually meld together well overnight, with some even finding it tastier the next day. When reheating, you can gently warm it in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out the pasta and squash.

It’s not recommended to freeze the summer squash pasta skillet as the texture of the squash can change too much upon thawing. This dish is perfect for easy meal prepping for lunch the next day or for enjoying as a quick and satisfying dinner on busy evenings. Remember to store it properly in the fridge to maintain its flavor and texture until you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian or dairy-free, you can swap the goat cheese for a non-dairy cheese alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar savory tang. For a vegan version, you can also substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

To add more protein to this dish, consider incorporating grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. You can also boost the vegetable content by adding bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta or swap the pasta entirely for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carb alternative. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite seasonal vegetables or herbs to make it your own signature dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try garnishing the summer squash pasta skillet with a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. The vibrant colors and delicate flavors will enhance the dish’s visual appeal and add a fresh, botanical element to each bite. Additionally, consider serving the pasta in individual mini skillets or ramekins for a charming presentation that’s perfect for intimate dinners or dinner parties. This personalized touch will make each serving feel special and elevate the dining experience for your guests.

FAQs for Zesty Summer Squash Pasta Skillet

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the pine nuts for almonds, walnuts, or even pecans based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure to toast them lightly to bring out their flavor before adding them to the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this pasta reheats well for lunch the next day, I recommend making it fresh for the best taste and texture. The squash may become mushy if cooked too far in advance, affecting the overall dish’s quality.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this dish by omitting the butter and goat cheese. Instead, use a plant-based butter alternative and finish the dish with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a spicy kick to this recipe, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the butter. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference to elevate the flavor profile of the dish.

Conclusion

I hope this Summer Squash Pasta Skillet recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen just as it has in mine. It’s a deliciously simple dish that brings together the flavors of summer in a comforting and satisfying way. The nutty brown butter, tangy goat cheese, and perfectly cooked squash truly create a symphony of flavors that will have your loved ones asking for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your friends at a casual gathering, this Summer Squash Pasta Skillet is sure to hit the spot. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite twists or accompaniments. Embrace the simplicity of one-skillet cooking, and enjoy the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen as you prepare this dish. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more memorable meals centered around this Summer Squash Pasta Skillet!

Zesty Summer Squash Pasta Skillet

Brown butter, goat cheese, and pine nuts elevate this Summer Squash Pasta Skillet to a family-favorite meal that even veggie skeptics love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 small zucchini squash, sliced into rounds
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• freshly cracked black pepper
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 small summer squash, sliced into rounds
• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• kosher salt

Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta following package instructions.
2. Toast pine nuts: Cook the pine nuts in a skillet over medium-low heat until golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat promptly.
3. Brown the butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk constantly until it turns golden brown and brown bits begin to form on the bottom.
4. Cook the squash: Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and squash rounds, toss to coat, and cook for 5 minutes until the zucchini softens. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine pasta and vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the zucchini over low heat. Toss to combine and coat everything with butter.
6. Add cheese and seasonings: Add crumbled goat cheese and toss to combine. Season with a few additional turns of black pepper.
7. Finish and serve: Add the pine nuts, then stir in the fresh basil and serve promptly.