Bacon, zucchini and lemon spaghetti
Enjoy a delectable Bacon, Zucchini, and Lemon Spaghetti with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring crispy bacon, fresh zucchini, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a burst of flavors in every bite. Ready in minutes, it's the perfect quick dinner solution for busy weeknights.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
12 oz pasta1/4 cup olive oil
10 bacon strips
2 garlic cloves
2 large zucchini
2 tbsp lemon zest
Bacon, zucchini, and lemon spaghetti is a light yet flavorful dish perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh zucchini, and zesty lemon creates a delicious harmony of flavors, while the pasta serves as a delightful base that pulls everything together. Impress your family and friends with this simple, quick, and tasty recipe.
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 7-10 minutes.
- Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium and add the spiralized or julienned zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still firm (al dente).
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the garlic and zucchini.
- Add the lemon zest and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for the freshest zucchini and lemons available. Fresh produce will enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you combine it with the other ingredients.
- Render the bacon fat: Cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, allowing the fat to render out. This will add depth of flavor to the zucchini and garlic.
- Utilize the pasta water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Adding it to the sauce helps to achieve a creamy consistency without the need for cream.
- Balance the flavors: Taste the dish before serving and add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed to balance the flavors to your liking.
Congratulations! You've successfully prepared a delectable Bacon, Zucchini, and Lemon Spaghetti. This dish is sure to become a favorite with its refreshing flavors and ease of preparation. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dash of chili flakes for an extra punch. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 640kcal
Protein 33g
Carbohydrates 70g
Fiber 4.26g
Sugar 6g
Fat 40g
More recipes
Balsamic pork chops with feta and cherry tomatoes
Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's a must-try for any home chef.
05 Mar 2025Summer tomato basil pasta with mozzarella
Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's a pasta lover's dream.
21 Apr 2025Portobello mushroom stroganoff with egg noodles
Perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week.
23 Jul 2025