Quinoa Pasta with Roasted Zucchini and Cheese
Last nights dinner was so very interesting to me. I knew I had to roast some zucchini that was begging to be eaten. I also wanted to try the Quinoa Pasta that I bought a few days ago. I had never seen it before and I wanted give it a try so I could see how it tasted and how the texture compared to regular pasta. And there’s the cheese. I’ve always had a thing for cheese. It’s not something that I will give up easily, so bear with me as you see cheese all over this recipe. I kept it subtle. Promise 🙂 …Although I purposely avoided measuring how much cheese I used…
It was tasty, meatless and certainly something I intend to have again. My hubby thought it was quite nice. I don’t think I could convince him to have this without some meat though. He is far from a part-time vegetarian, like what I’m on the path to becoming. Baby steps. As I read more about it and find recipes that suit my palate, I’m truly considering reducing my meat consumption.
Here’s the finished result…another freestyle recipe 🙂
Quinoa Fusilli Pasta & Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan Flakes
As for the Quinoa Pasta, I realized that it takes a little longer to cook than regular pasta. The package suggested 13-15 minutes – spot on. Anything before that, it’s still rather firm. Also, you have to eat it right away. I decided to toss it in a cheese mixture in order to make it moist on the outside. I don’t do dry pasta very well. A cream sauce or olive oil is pretty much mandatory. The texture of quinoa pasta is just fine and I would not have noticed the difference at all. I will buy it again, if I come across it. Its Quinoa. I can’t go wrong. Right?
Quinoa Pasta - Gluten Free, Corn Free
- 2 Medium Zucchini
- Salt & Pepper
- Olive Oil for bushing the Zucchini
- Few Tbsp grated or shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 8 oz Quinoa Pasta (or whatever pasta you prefer)
- 1 Scallion, sliced thinly
- 2 Tbsp Cream Cheese (I used reduced fat)
- 2 Tbsp Chicken Broth
- Preheat oven to 425F
- In a medium pot, bring about 4 cups of salted water to a boil
- Add quinoa pasta and cook according to package directions
- Cut ends off zucchini then slice each into 6 wedges
- Grease a rimmed baking tray with olive oil
- Place zucchini, skin side down on the greased baking tray
- Brush with olive oil then sprinkle with salt, pepper and parmesan
- Roast for 20 minutes, until the zucchini is golden brown
- In a medium pot, add cream cheese, chicken broth and parmesan
- On medium heat, still until melted and combined
- When pasta is ready, drain and add to cream cheese mixture
- Toss to lightly coat
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Cut zucchini into chunks and stir in or serve on the side
- Garnish with Scallion and parmesan flakes
I got my son to eat the zucchini. I had to basically emphasize that it had cheese on it. Not that there was too much, but he needs encouragement to eat “new” veggies. He has lettuce, green beans and broccoli under his belt. He needs to conquer zucchini so I can move on to another vegetable. Goodness rules in my house!
Zucchini
Zucchini, Sliced, oiled, sprinkled with salt, pepper and parmesan cheese
Roasted zucchini, fresh out the oven. So fragrant. Even the crispy parmesan stuck to the tray looked good to me.
Zucchini, roasted for 20 minutes
Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese
Zucchini never tasted so good.
Dinner is served - Quinoa Pasta & Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
What a way to start the week. Happy Monday friends!
~Lyn
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
I’m curious to try this pasta! It sounds pretty delicious. And I am very curious of trying an alternative to regular pasta!
Hi Pola! Thanks, it was very delicious. I didn’t go out looking for it, but fortunately thats how many of my recipes come about lol. Alternatives are awesome!
This is one very light and healthy pasta dish that my family will surely love!
Wishing you a wonderful week, Lyn!
Its enjoyable and VERY good for you. Thanks for visiting, Tina! You have a wonderful week too!!! *hugs*
I love the roasted Zucchini here.So delicious even on its own!Love the simplicity of your pasta, haven’t tried quinoa pasta yet though.Its definitely on my list to try :)Lovely recipe my friend 🙂
Thank you, Soni! I’ve come a long way. I couldn’t stand zucchini! I think my desire to eat better has changed my taste buds. Now I can’t get enough of it. The quinoa pasta is a wonderful alternative if you are looking for Gluten Free pasta. I appreciate your comment!
What a great recipe; I will look out for the Quinoa pasta – though it may be hard to find in the UK.
Hello Simone! Thank you so much for your comment 🙂 You know, I’m sure its around – at a health food store perhaps? If all else fails and you feel like trying, its probably online somewhere. I came across it by chance and thought it would be good to try. Good luck!
I love zucchini and this sounds like a great dish!
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Laura! You’re welcome. Zucchini is awesome with cheese. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I have never tried quinoa pasta. didnt even know that exsisted! Looks wonderful by the way with the roasted zuccini and cheese. I love cheese so I am on your wave!
Everything is good in moderation! Cheese included! Thank you for the compliment and for your comment 🙂
I’ve never tried quinoa pasta but you make it look so delish. Its on my list. 🙂
I took a chance my friend! It paid off! I’d recommend quinoa pasta so I hope you get to try it 🙂
I am really enjoying your posts and recipes. Because of that I have passed on some awards to you. Go check out my post today for details.
Thank you so much Renee! I am coming over to your blog just now! I’m so excited!
what an awesome pasta dish for spring! great recipe, definitely bookmarking this!
Thank you! I hope you get to try it very soon! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I’ve never tried quinoa pasta but it looks amazing, and much more nutritionally packed than the regular stuff! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for this near me 🙂
It tastes like regular pasta which is an awesome plus. I hope you get to try it! Thanks, Sarah!
I’ve never tried quinoa pasta and I’d love to try it. I might like it more than just qunioa! Love how you roasted zucchinis… beautiful dish!
Thank you, Nami! Its a great alternative to regular pasta. Love it.