Spaghetti with Crispy Zucchini

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of Spaghetti with Crispy Zucchini; it’s simple, fresh, and full of flavor. The tender strands of pasta coated in olive oil and garlic pair beautifully with golden, crunchy zucchini slices. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a hint of spice make it comforting yet light, the kind of meal that feels both homemade and restaurant-worthy. Every bite offers a perfect balance of crisp and creamy textures, making this dish an instant favorite for pasta lovers.

Spaghetti with Crispy Zucchini

Servings

2-3

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Ingredients

• Spaghetti – 200g

• Zucchini – 2 medium, sliced thin

• Olive Oil – 3 tbsp

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

• Grated Parmesan Cheese – ¼ cup

• Salt – to taste

• Black Pepper – to taste

• Red Chili Flakes – ½ tsp (optional)

• Fresh Basil – for garnish

Directions

• Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add sliced zucchini and fry in batches until golden and crispy.
• Remove zucchini and drain on paper towels.
• In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
• Toss in cooked spaghetti and add a splash of reserved pasta water.
• Mix in crispy zucchini, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and toss well.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
  

Notes

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 310mg

Expert Tips and Variations

If you don’t have spaghetti, use any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. For a lighter twist, swap regular pasta with whole-wheat or gluten-free spaghetti. To add extra flavor, toss in lemon zest or a pinch of chili flakes before serving. Always fry zucchini in small batches to keep it crispy, and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Avoid overcooking the pasta al dente texture balances beautifully with the crunch of the zucchini. A sprinkle of fresh basil or grated Pecorino cheese can take it to the next level!

How to Store and Reheat Spaghetti

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or water to restore texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the zucchini soggy. For best results, crisp up leftover zucchini separately in a pan before mixing it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions