Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

Pasta & veggies:

12 oz spaghetti or penne (or chickpea/gluten-free pasta for high-protein/GF)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 cup fresh corn kernels (or fire-roasted canned)
½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium vegetable broth)
1 cup reserved pasta water
Salt & black pepper

Finishing touches:

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium options!)
¼ cup fresh basil, torn
Zest of 1 lemon (brightens flavors—you love citrus!)
Optional boosts:
→ High-protein: ½ cup white beans or grilled chicken (+7g protein/serving)
→ Extra richness: 2 tbsp butter or cream cheese (you love creamy textures!)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta:

Cook pasta according to package; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté veggies:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and corn; sauté 5–6 minutes until crisp-tender.

3. Deglaze & combine:

Pour in white wine; simmer 2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
Add drained pasta and ½ cup pasta water; toss to coat. Add more water as needed for silkiness.

4. Finish & serve:

Stir in Parmesan, basil, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Add optional boosts if using.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use peak-season produce—ripe tomatoes + sweet corn = maximum flavor.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Skip added salt—rely on lemon zest, garlic, and herbs for brightness
→ Boost umami with 1 tsp nutritional yeast + extra Parmesan
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Use chickpea or lentil pasta (+25g protein/serving!)
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds at the end for fiber + glycemic control
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap pasta for 16 oz hearts of palm pasta or spiralized zucchini
→ Simmer uncovered 5–7 minutes to reduce liquid
→ Net carbs drop from 42g → 12g/serving
✅ Make ahead: Best served fresh, but keeps 2 days refrigerated (reheat gently with splash of broth).

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 2 days | Freezer: Not recommended (pasta softens)
→ Serving ideas:
→ With grilled salmon or shrimp
→ As a standalone light summer dinner
→ Topped with fried egg for extra protein

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):