09/06/2026
Zucchini and Corn Pasta
A creamy, fresh, and flavorful pasta featuring tender zucchini, sweet corn, aromatic leeks, and a bright lemon-Parmesan sauce. Greek yogurt adds richness while keeping this satisfying weeknight dinner wonderfully light and tangy.
Ingredients:
10 ounces orecchiette or other small pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 zucchinis, shredded, about 3 cups
1 leek, thinly sliced
1 shallot, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, pressed
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups corn kernels
½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
¾ cup reserved pasta water
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
1 lemon, juiced and zested
Fresh basil, for serving
Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¾ cup of the pasta cooking water.
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shredded zucchini, sliced leek, diced shallot, and garlic. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the zucchini has reduced by about half.
Season with the salt and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes, then add the corn kernels and mix until combined.
Pour in the vegetable broth and reserved pasta water. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy vegetable mixture.
Remove the pan from the heat. Gently stir in the Greek yogurt until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Keeping the pan off the heat helps prevent the yogurt from separating.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and plenty of fresh basil.