Baked Tomatoes Parmesan with Basil-Zucchini Pasta is an easy weeknight dinner that’s even fancy enough for dinner parties! This recipe is a great way to use up the tomatoes, zucchini, and basil that your garden is probably overflowing with right about now!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword basil, pasta, tomato
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Servings 8servings
Calories 366kcal
Author adapted from Circle B Kitchen
Ingredients
1Poundspaghetti
Tomaotoes Parmesan:
1 ½lbtomatoes on the vinecut into 1/3-inch slices
¾cuppanko breadcrumbs
⅓cupParmesan cheesefreshly grated
2Tablespoonsolive oilplus more for drizzle
2large garlic clovesminced
¼cupbasil leaveschopped
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
¼teaspoonoregano
Pasta:
¼cupolive oil
3large garlic clovesminced
¾teaspooncrushed red pepper
¾cupbasil leaveschopped
1large zucchinigrated
½cupParmesan cheesefreshly grated
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place a baking rack in the middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions & drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
Tomatoes Parmesan: While the pasta cooks, make the tomatoes Parmesan. Using a little olive oil, lightly grease a baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
In a medium bowl add the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and oregano; mix until combined and the olive oil evenly coats the bread crumbs.
Divide the breadcrumb mixture evenly atop the sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with some additional olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tomatoes are cooked and the breadcrumbs become light golden brown.
Pasta: In a small sauce pan over medium heat, add 1/4 cup olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Saute until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
In the same pot as the pasta was cooked in, add the drained pasta and the olive oil mixture. Toss to evenly coat the pasta. Add the shredded zucchini, basil, Parmesan cheese, and enough of the reserved pasta water to make a light, somewhat creamy sauce. Season with salt & pepper.
To Finish: Plate the pasta and top with the Parmesan tomatoes. Garnish with additional Parmesan and chopped basil (optional). Serve.