30-Minute Creamy Gluten-Free Tuscan Pasta with Zucchini

This Gluten-Free Creamy Tuscan Pasta with Zucchini is an easy one-skillet dinner that brings together tender zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, black olives, and Parmesan in a rich, creamy sauce. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, making this a flavorful 30-minute gluten-free vegetarian dinner with very little cleanup..

Recipe Highlights

• Creamy and flavorful: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, shallots, Italian herbs, Parmesan, and a touch of tomato paste create a rich, savory Tuscan-inspired sauce.
• One-skillet pasta: The gluten-free pasta cooks right in the creamy broth and sauce, allowing it to absorb all those delicious flavors while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
• Ready in 30 minutes: A quick and easy gluten-free dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Vegetarian: You won’t miss the meat. Zucchini, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and the creamy sauce make this pasta hearty and satisfying.
• Easy to customize: Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta, adjust the olives to taste, or swap the homemade herb blend for gluten-free Italian seasoning, and add hot chilli pepper flakes for extra heat.

Key Ingredients and Modifications

Gluten-free short-cut pasta: I used gluten-free penne, but you can use another short pasta such as rotini or fusilli. Cooking times can vary between brands, so check the package directions.

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini works best. Cut it into small, evenly sized cubes so it cooks quickly without becoming too soft. You can also use asparagus or mushrooms.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor. Drain them before chopping, but reserve about a teaspoon of the oil for the skillet for extra flavor.

Heavy cream: This gives the sauce its rich, creamy consistency. You can experiment with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, although the finished pasta will be less rich.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce more smoothly and gives the pasta better flavor. You can also use Pecorino Romano, or Asiago.

Black olives: I use sliced, pitted black olives. Kalamata olives can be substituted if you prefer a more pronounced olive flavor.

Italian seasoning: I make my own blend with basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. For convenience, you can replace the individual herbs with 4 teaspoons of certified gluten-free Italian seasoning.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Cut the zucchini small. Small cubes cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the pasta.

Don’t overcook the zucchini. It only needs a couple of minutes in the skillet. You want it tender but still holding its shape.

Use hot broth. Adding hot broth helps the sauce come together quickly once the pasta is added.

Keep the pasta al dente. Gluten-free pasta can become soft quickly, especially because it continues cooking while the skillet rests. Start checking it according to the cooking time on your pasta package.

Add the Parmesan gradually. Stirring the cheese in a little at a time helps it melt evenly into the sauce instead of clumping.

Let the pasta rest. This is an important step. After adding the Parmesan, cover the skillet and let the pasta rest for about 15 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as the pasta absorbs it.

Adjust the sauce before serving. If the pasta has absorbed more sauce than expected, stir in a splash of warm broth or cream until it reaches the consistency you like.

Serving Ideas

This creamy pasta is satisfying enough to serve on its own, however I love to add a side of Tear and Share Gluten Free Garlic Bread, or Gluten-Free Italian Parmesan Bread.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Store leftover Creamy Tuscan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gluten-free pasta can soften after refrigeration, so this pasta is best enjoyed fresh.

I don’t recommend freezing it, as some gluten-free pasta varieties can become crumbly or fall apart after thawing.

To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon or two of broth or water. Cover loosely and heat until warmed through, stirring once or twice. You can also reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

More Easy Gluten-Free Pasta Dishes to Try

For Tuscan dishes I recommend the Tuscan White Bean Salad Recipe, or the Gluten-Free Tuscan Vegan Minestrone Soup. And don’t miss the Tuscan White Bean Soup with Meatballs.

If you are looking for easy gluten-free pasta meals then I would try this Easy Gluten-Free One-Pot Pasta Bake, or my favorite the Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta.

And to complete your meal finish of with this easy gluten-free Authentic Italian Apple Cake.

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Hi, I’m Kristina, a gluten-free recipe developer creating and testing recipes since 2012. Every recipe on this site is made in my kitchen and personally tested (with the help of my very honest family!).

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