Meghan Markle Zucchini Bolognese
This zucchini bolognese transforms humble zucchini into a rich, velvety sauce, combining sautéed garlic, herbs, and tomato paste for a flavorful, meaty texture. The final dish features a glossy, thick sauce that coats pasta perfectly, offering a comforting yet light meal ideal for weeknights.
Equipment
- Sharp knife & chopping board
- Large skillet or sauté pan
Ingredients
- 12 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
- 1.5 cups zucchini finely diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- fresh basil chopped for flavor and garnish
- fresh oregano chopped for flavor
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti or linguine
- to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
- pinch red chili flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it turns golden and releases a lovely aroma.
- Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until it softens and begins to release water, about 5 minutes. If the mixture sticks, splash in a little water or broth to deglaze the pan.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to darken slightly and fill the kitchen with a smoky, tomato aroma.
- Pour in a splash of vegetable broth or water, then sprinkle in the chopped herbs. Lower the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the zucchini becomes velvety.
- Taste the sauce and season generously with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. The sauce should be glossy, rich, and inviting.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the sauce. Let everything cook together for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve the zucchini bolognese hot, garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy the velvety, flavorful dish that feels both comforting and light.
Notes
For extra richness, finish with a splash of high-quality olive oil just before serving. Feel free to add grated Parmesan if you like, but it’s delicious on its own.