Creamy Zucchini Pancetta Pasta
The best kind of comfort food always leaves you feeling better about yourself — like this creamy, cheesy pasta that has just enough zucchini to be a complete meal. Salty pancetta bits are tossed throughout, like specks of gustatory gold. It’s easily customizable with other vegetables that cook in similar times, such as asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Large Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (40g) pancetta, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 cups (240g) penne pasta
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups (200g) zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup (80g) sour cream
- ⅓ cup (30g) parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted (optional)
Preparation
- Add the pancetta, garlic, raw pasta, water, and salt to the Anyday dish.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for 12-13 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente with a slight bite.
- Stir in the zucchini and oil.
- Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
- Toss in the sour cream, parmesan, and almonds.
Serving suggestions & tips
- If you can’t find Pancetta, use bacon instead.
- Try it with ricotta cheese instead of sour cream.
- For more color, toss in a handful of fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes at the very end.
Recipe notes
- Try it with any medium-size pasta such as penne, rigatoni, fusilli, reginetti, or casarecce.
- If the water overflows, you can switch to a Large Deep or Extra Large, or reduce to Power Level 8 and then continue cooking.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Creamy Zucchini Pancetta Pasta in the Microwave
Can I cook pasta in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook pasta in the microwave using Anyday Deep dishes! The Anyday dish is specifically designed for microwave cooking, ensuring that your pasta comes out perfectly cooked without any hassle. By using the microwave, you save time and still enjoy a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. This method is perfect for busy weeknights as it allows the pasta to cook evenly and quickly without having to wait for water to come to a boil. For basic pasta cooking times check out our recipes for penne, spaghetti, pastina, and gluten-free pasta.
Why do I have to cook this recipe uncovered?
We recommend cooking pasta in the microwave at full power with a lid on to prevent overflow. Like many starchy ingredients, pasta releases steam and starch during cooking, which can cause bubbling and spilling if covered. This is similar to what happens when cooking pasta on the stovetop. Leaving it uncovered allows starchy water to stay in place and ensures the right amount of liquid remains in the dish to cook the pasta correctly.
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of pasta in this recipe, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. If needed, add 1-2 extra minutes of cook time of the pasta is too al dente due to varying shapes..
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan or vegetarian. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the pancetta. For a vegan option, omit the pancetta and use dairy-free sour cream and a plant-based parmesan alternative to maintain the creamy texture and cheesy flavor. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Simply prepare the dish as instructed, then store it in an Anyday dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to bring back its creamy consistency.
