Italian Zucchini Recipes: More Than Just Spaghetti

There’s no denying the versatility and deliciousness of zucchini. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish or a tasty side dish, these Italian zucchini recipes have you covered.

From zucchini pasta and grilled zucchini with parmesan to easy ricotta-stuffed zucchini boats and Italian zucchini fritters, these dishes showcase the best of Italian cuisine and the amazing flavors of zucchini. And, with classic Italian ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and grated parmesan cheese, each recipe is sure to be flavor-packed!

Get ready to sauté, bake, and fry your way to a golden brown and delicious Italian zucchini dish. Buon appetite!

Zucchini pasta

Zucchini pasta has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason – it’s a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat-heavy pasta dishes. This easy zucchini pasta recipe is a great option to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

This quick and easy summer dinner is perfect when you’re looking for something fresh but filling. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines zucchini with traditional pasta, creating a light, flavorful meal.

Minced garlic cloves and lemon zest give the simple sauce a bright, zesty flavor, while freshly grated Parmesan adds just the right amount of richness. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper.

We love: Zucchini Pasta (by Love and Lemons)

Grilled zucchini with parmesan

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy Italian zucchini recipe, look no further than grilled zucchini with parmesan. This dish is perfect for summer when fresh zucchini is in abundance, and it’s a great way to switch up your usual vegetable side dishes.

Simply grill zucchini slices until perfectly charred. Season, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and shredded basil leaves before serving.

Pair it with your favorite grilled meats or serve it alongside a fresh salad for a light, summery meal.

We love: Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan (by Wholefully)

Baked zucchini slices with rosemary

If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy Italian zucchini side dish, these Italian baked zucchini slices with rosemary are a must-try. This dish is a great way to enjoy fresh zucchini and adds a tasty, herbaceous twist to your usual side dishes.

To make it, slice the zucchini and top with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and chopped fresh rosemary. Bake until the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

This dish pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a simple appetizer. It’s an easy and delicious way to bring a touch of Italy to your table.

We love: Baked Zucchini Slices with Rosemary (by Simple Italian Cooking)

Stanley Tucci’s zucchini pasta

After watching Stanley Tucci enjoy this zucchini pasta on Capri amidst that crazy storm, I knew I had to try it for myself. This super simple dish is a perfect example of how a few basic ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

The recipe starts by frying thin slices of zucchini in olive oil until they’re tender and golden brown. Toss the zucchini with al dente pasta, a handful of grated Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good quality olive oil.

It’s a quick, elegant meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

We love: Stanley Tucci’s Zucchini Pasta (by FoodieCrush)

Zucchini alla scapece

Zucchini Alla Scapece is a classic Italian side dish that offers a surprisingly delightful combination of flavors. With just a few ingredients—sliced zucchini, garlic, fresh mint, and vinegar—this dish manages to be both fresh and fantastic.

Start by baking (or frying) the zucchini slices until they’re golden and tender. Then, toss the roasted zucchini with a mixture of minced garlic, chopped mint, and a splash of vinegar. The vinegar adds a bright, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the zucchini, while the mint brings a refreshing herbal note.

Serve the zucchini side chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled meats or fish, or as part of an antipasto platter. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that captures the essence of Italian cooking

We love: Zucchini Alla Scapece (by A Family Feast®)

Spicy pesto and cheese stuffed zucchini Involtini

Spicy pesto and ricotta cheese-stuffed zucchini Involtini is the perfect way to take advantage of peak summer zucchini.

This dish features thin zucchini ribbons rolled up with a creamy mixture of basil pesto and ricotta cheese. These little rolls are then baked in a spicy, herb-infused tomato sauce that’s both rich and flavorful.

The zucchini softens in the oven while the cheese mixture becomes irresistibly melty. The spicy tomato sauce adds a nice kick, perfectly balancing the creaminess of the ricotta and pesto. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and fresh, making it ideal for summer dinners when you want something light but satisfying.

Serve it with crusty bread or a side of pasta for a complete, delicious meal.

We love: Spicy Pesto and Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Involtini (by Half Baked Harvest)

Ricotta stuffed zucchini boats

These easy ricotta-stuffed zucchini boats are a fantastic gluten-free option for enjoying fresh, seasonal zucchini. The hollowed-out zucchini halves are filled with a savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano cheese, making them creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Baked until golden and bubbly, the zucchini stays tender while the cheese mixture melts perfectly. This dish is not only easy to make but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.

Serve these zucchini boats as a side dish or even a light main course, paired with a simple salad and focaccia for a wholesome, comforting meal that everyone will love.

We love: Easy Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats (by She Loves Biscotti)

Zucchini parmesan

Zucchini parmesan (or Zucchini Parmigiana) is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for making the most of your garden-fresh zucchini. This version features extra crispy zucchini slices baked in a casserole dish with layers of rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese.

The zucchini is breaded and baked to golden perfection, giving the dish a satisfying crunch while keeping it light. Layered with marinara and mozzarella, the flavors meld together beautifully as it bakes into a bubbly, cheesy casserole.

It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners or when you need to use up an abundance of zucchini.

We love: Zucchini Parmesan (by The Cozy Cook)

Scarpaccia zucchini tart

Every family needs a good Scarpaccia recipe in their collection, and this zucchini tart is a standout. Scarpaccia, a savory Italian flatbread, combines thinly sliced zucchini with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, pine nuts, cheese, and egg. The result? A dish bursting with flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.

This zucchini tart has a wonderfully crisp crust and a rich, savory filling that’s both light and satisfying. The combination of sweet sun-dried tomatoes, nutty pine nuts, and the fresh punch of basil makes it irresistible. It’s so good, you’ll want to make it every week!

Whether served as a main dish, appetizer, or side, this Scarpaccia is a delicious way to showcase zucchini and bring a little taste of Italy to your table.

We love: Scarpaccia Zucchini Tart (by A Family Feast®)

Pasta with eggplant, tomatoes and zucchini

If you’re looking for an easy and healthy Italian-style dinner, this pasta, loaded with veggies like eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes, is the perfect choice. It requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something fresh and satisfying.

The eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes are sautéed together until tender, creating a simple, flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. The sautéed zucchini adds a hearty, wholesome touch while keeping the dish light and healthy.

This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer, and it’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side.

We love: Healthy Pasta Recipe with eggplant, tomatoes and zucchini (by Simple Italian Cooking)

Stuffed zucchini boats

These Italian sausage-stuffed zucchini boats are a mouthwatering way to turn fresh zucchini into a hearty, flavorful entrée.

Hollowed-out zucchini halves are filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, herbs, and bread crumbs, then baked until the zucchini is tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.

The rich, spiced sausage mixture adds bold flavor, perfectly complementing the mild zucchini. This dish is satisfying enough to serve as a main course, making it an excellent option for family dinners or when you want something that feels indulgent but still incorporates fresh, wholesome ingredients.

We love: Stuffed Zucchini Boats (by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen®)

Pan-fried zucchini blossoms

Pan-fried zucchini flowers are a simple yet delightful Italian delicacy that’s easy to make at home. These delicate blossoms are lightly pan-fried instead of deep-fried, giving them a crisp exterior while keeping them light and tender.

With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, you can enjoy this treat as an appetizer or a snack. Just a bit of olive oil, a light dusting of flour, and a quick sizzle in the pan, and these zucchini flowers are ready to enjoy.

They’re a great way to celebrate seasonal produce without the heaviness of deep frying, making them a perfect addition to any summer meal.

We love: Pan-fried zucchini blossoms (by Simple Italian Cooking)

Spaghetti alla nerano

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a rich and creamy pasta dish made with just a few simple ingredients—fried zucchini and Parmesan cheese. Despite its gourmet flavor, it comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a quick but indulgent meal.

The zucchini is fried until golden, then tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a generous amount of Parmesan. The cheese melts into the pasta, creating a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every strand. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the flavors of fresh zucchini in a truly delicious way.

This Italian classic is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

We love: Spaghetti Alla Nerano (by Platings + Pairings)

Italian zucchini fritters

Italian zucchini fritters are an easy and delicious appetizer or light lunch that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Made with just a few simple, fresh ingredients, these crispy fritters are packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

The grated zucchini is mixed with a light batter and then pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve them with a side of creamy whipped ricotta for dipping, and you’ll find they’re impossible to resist—one bite, and you won’t be able to stop at just one!

These fritters are a fantastic way to start any Italian meal or enjoy as a snack.

We love: Italian Zucchini Fritters (by Cucina by Elena)

Italian zucchini bake

This Italian zucchini bake is a comforting casserole made from scratch with fresh zucchini, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s always a hit with family and friends.

The zucchini is layered with a cheesy mixture and baked until bubbly and golden on top. The combination of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan adds a rich, savory depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender zucchini.

Perfect as a side dish or a light main course served with a crisp Italian salad, this cheesy zucchini bake is a go-to recipe when you want something savory, delicious, and sure to please a crowd.

We love: Italian Zucchini Bake (by Cooking with Mamma C)

Whether you’re looking for a light summer dish, a hearty entrée, or a crispy appetizer, these Italian zucchini recipes have something for everyone.

From the rich and creamy Spaghetti alla Nerano to the irresistible flavor of Italian Zucchini Fritters, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. And, don’t forget the comforting layers of Zucchini Parmesan or the satisfying bite of Italian Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini Boats—each recipe brings out the best in fresh zucchini.

I hope these recipes inspire you to try something new in the kitchen and make the most of zucchini season. Let me know in the comments what your favorite Italian zucchini recipe is!