Ingredients
Scale
- For the Sauce:
- 2 medium zucchinis (chopped into chunks)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (chopped, optional for added depth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for richness)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream (optional for creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 1 tsp dried basil or oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preparing the Zucchini: Wash and chop the zucchini into chunks. Peel if desired, though leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients. Mince the garlic and chop the onion finely. Measure out all other ingredients.
- Sautéing the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the zucchini chunks and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens.
- Blending the Sauce: Transfer the cooked zucchini mixture to a blender or food processor. Add vegetable broth and blend until smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in almond milk, cashew cream, or Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more broth or water. Return the sauce to the skillet and warm gently before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta, zoodles, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flair. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and plant-based cream substitutes like coconut milk or silken tofu.
- Gluten-free by default, but ensure all broths and toppings are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Storage tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Main Dish
- Method: Blending/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Healthy/Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of the recipe)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg