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Overhead shot of skillet pasta with summer squash, ricotta, and basil in a cast iron pan on a rustic wooden table

Skillet Pasta Recipe with Summer Squash, Ricotta and Basil


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This one-pan Skillet Pasta with Summer Squash, Ricotta and Basil is quick, creamy, and packed with garden-fresh flavor—perfect for busy summer nights or family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 summer squash (or zucchini), thinly sliced
  • 1½ cups yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup Pecorino Romano, finely grated
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped


Instructions

  1. Fill a large skillet with salted water. Bring to a boil, add pasta, and cook per package directions. Reserve ¾ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add sliced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  3. Add summer squash and cherry tomatoes. Cook 4–5 minutes until squash is tender and tomatoes begin to burst. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Return cooked pasta to the skillet. Add reserved pasta water and stir. Sprinkle in Pecorino Romano and stir until creamy.
  5. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Broil for 2 minutes after adding ricotta for a baked finish. Use Parmesan if you don’t have Pecorino. Avoid freezing—ricotta texture will change.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg