This Easy Yellow Squash Pasta Recipe Is Perfect For Warm Nights on the Porch

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Veggie noodles can be just as delicious and satisfying as regular pasta, especially during the warmer months when there's a surplus of squash and zucchini. But if you're still a fan of standard spaghetti and can't imagine life without it, this recipe lets you have the best of both worlds. Squash noodles intertwine with regular spaghetti in a dance of summer's finest produce, including tomatoes, basil, thyme, and lemon. I zested the lemon too (as it's my go-to trick with citrus) and salted the dish every step of the way to really let those flavors shine. Keep reading for the full recipe!

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Summer Squash and Cherry Tomato Pasta

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 medium yellow squash
  • 8 ounces (225 g) capellini or brown rice spaghetti
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups/500 mL), sliced in half
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
  • Juice of 1/2 small lemon
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Toppings (choose 1 or more)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh mozzarella slices
  • Torn fresh basil leaves
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Any pesto

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Use a julienne peeler to slice the squash into long thin strips.

  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the package, cooking until al dente. Drain the pasta.

  3. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over low heat. Add the tomatoes, garlic, fresh thyme, and pinches of salt and pepper. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes, turning as needed.

  4. Toss the pasta with the squash, tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, the lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve with your choice of toppings.

Notes

Editor's note: I spiralized the squash using a handheld OXO spiralizer, and the results are fantastic!