Fresh & Light Zucchini Noodle Rosé Pasta
Fresh & Light Zucchini Noodle Rosé Pasta
Healthy Diet Meal: Rosé Pasta with Zucchini Noodles
Enjoy a healthy rosé pasta made with zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta, significantly reducing calories while boosting nutrition. The delightful combination of fresh vegetables, plump shrimp, and savory ham will awaken your appetite. The creamy rosé sauce, balanced with a hint of chili, creates a rich and satisfying flavor. Indulge in a guilt-free, delicious meal that’s perfect for any time, especially when you’re watching your diet.
Ingredients- 1/2 medium zucchini
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Korean chili pepper (optional, for spiciness)
- 150ml – 200ml Rosé spaghetti sauce (adjust to taste)
- 5-7 shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2-3 slices ham
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of dried basil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and pat it dry. Using a spiralizer or mandoline with a julienne blade, cut the zucchini into long, spaghetti-like strands. This will form your pasta base.
Step 2
For a single serving, using half of a medium zucchini yields a generous portion. Using too much might make the sauce watery, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
Step 3
Finely dice the onion. Cut the ham into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a spicier dish, remove the seeds from the Korean chili pepper and mince it finely. Have your minced garlic ready.
Step 4
Instead of a standard tomato sauce, we’re using rosé spaghetti sauce for a rich and creamy flavor profile. Olive oil is a great choice for sautéing as it has a good smoke point.
Step 5
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ham, minced garlic, and the optional minced chili pepper. Sauté until fragrant. Then, add the prepared shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Step 6
If the ham pieces are too large, you can cut them into smaller, more manageable sizes with kitchen scissors. Now, add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent, which will bring out its natural sweetness.
Step 7
Pour the rosé spaghetti sauce over the sautéed vegetables, ham, and shrimp. Adjust the amount of sauce according to the volume of vegetables and your desired consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out.
Step 8
Once the sauce begins to simmer, season it with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle in some dried basil for an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
Step 9
Now, add the prepared zucchini noodles to the pan. It’s crucial to add them last and cook them only briefly. Overcooking the zucchini noodles will make them mushy and diminish their pleasant, slightly crisp texture. This ensures they retain their fresh, vibrant quality.
Step 10
If you desire a more intensely flavored rosé sauce, feel free to add a little more sauce at this stage to achieve your preferred taste intensity.
Step 11
Continue to toss the zucchini noodles with the sauce just until they are lightly coated and slightly tender-crisp. You want them to maintain a bit of bite. Turn off the heat and transfer the pasta to a serving bowl.
Step 12
To plate the pasta beautifully, first use chopsticks to twirl the zucchini noodles into a neat mound in the center of the bowl. Then, artfully pour the remaining sauce around the base of the noodles for an appealing presentation.
