Summer Squash Pasta Skillet

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish combines the freshness of summer squash and zucchini with pasta, all tossed together in a rich brown butter sauce. Toasted pine nuts provide crunch, while creamy goat cheese melds beautifully for a luscious finish. Everything comes together in a single skillet for easy cleanup. A generous sprinkle of fresh basil rounds out the flavors, making this dish fragrant and vibrant. Ideal for warm evenings and quick dinners, this skillet pasta delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes, best enjoyed straight from the pan while still warm and fragrant.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:41:07 GMT
A bowl of pasta with zucchini, tomatoes, and basil. Save
A bowl of pasta with zucchini, tomatoes, and basil. | sarahmeal.com

This bright summer squash pasta skillet is my go to dish for easy weeknight dinners every year when zucchini and squash are at their freshest Their sweetness is set off by rich brown butter creamy goat cheese and crunchy pine nuts all tossed with pasta for pure comfort in a bowl

I love how this meal celebrates summer produce and always makes the kitchen smell amazing Last season I made it to bring to a neighbor as a thank you and it was a total hit

Ingredients

  • Pasta: Choose a sturdy shape like penne or fusilli to hold the sauce and veggies well Look for bronze cut pasta for the best texture
  • Pine nuts: Provide crunch and a subtle sweetness Toasting intensifies their flavor Buy from a store with high turnover for freshness
  • Unsalted butter: This becomes nutty and rich when browned Select a good quality butter for extra flavor depth
  • Garlic: Brings savoriness to the whole dish Use fresh cloves for the strongest punch
  • Zucchini squash and summer squash: Both add mild sweetness plus color and texture Pick smaller squash for tender slices
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors Look for flaky or coarse crystals
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a little heat Fresh ground makes a big difference
  • Goat cheese: Melts into a creamy tangy sauce over the warm pasta Buy it in logs for better texture
  • Fresh basil leaves: Brings aromatic lift and a burst of summer flavor Choose bright green leaves without any bruising

Step by Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with water and a small handful of kosher salt Bring to a rolling boil then add your pasta Cook until just al dente so it holds up in the skillet
Toast the Pine Nuts:
Place pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium low heat Stir frequently so they do not burn Once golden and fragrant usually after five to six minutes remove from heat right away and set aside
Brown the Butter:
In the same or a clean skillet melt the butter over medium heat Keep whisking constantly until it foams and you see golden brown flecks forming on the bottom and the aroma turns nutty and rich
Cook the Vegetables:
Quickly add the minced garlic squash and zucchini to your browned butter Toss everything together to coat and cook for about five minutes until the squash is just tender not mushy Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste
Combine With Pasta:
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with your vegetables Turn the heat to low and toss for a minute so every piece of pasta gets a little butter and zucchini
Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Crumble in the goat cheese while still warm and give everything a good toss The cheese will melt into creamy streaks throughout Add another sprinkle of fresh black pepper now for an extra kick
Finish and Serve:
Top with the toasted pine nuts and scatter the fresh basil all over Stir gently and serve right away while everything is hot and melty
A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese. Save
A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese. | sarahmeal.com

I am always amazed by how goat cheese transforms the sauce into something creamy and luxe with barely any effort My kids now call this the magic cheese pasta which pretty much sums up how special a handful of the right ingredients can be around the table

Storage Tips

If you end up with leftovers allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container Store in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the pasta and make the cheese grainy

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy free version swap in your favorite vegan butter and plant based cheese Walnuts or chopped almonds can stand in for pine nuts if that is what you have on hand No fresh basil Try a little parsley or even mint for a twist

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this pasta with a simple tomato salad on the side or some crusty bread to mop up the brown butter sauce For a protein boost add cooked chicken grilled shrimp or white beans stirred in at the end

A bowl of pasta with vegetables. Save
A bowl of pasta with vegetables. | sarahmeal.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Summer squash and goat cheese pasta skillets like this are a classic way to celebrate the Mediterranean tradition of making vegetables the star Goat cheese and basil are cornerstone flavors in French and Italian kitchens and tossing them with pasta is a nod to rustic countryside cooking that prizes fresh seasonal abundance

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any shape of pasta works well, so feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

→ How do I achieve the perfect brown butter?

Cook butter over medium heat, whisking frequently, until it turns golden with brown flecks and a nutty aroma.

→ Can I substitute the goat cheese?

Yes, feta or ricotta provide similar creaminess, though each will slightly change the overall flavor.

→ What if I don’t have pine nuts?

Try toasted walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative.

→ Is this dish best served hot or cold?

For the best texture and flavor, serve this skillet pasta warm right after tossing with cheese and basil.

Summer Squash Pasta Skillet

Golden zucchini and squash with pasta, goat cheese, pine nuts, and fresh basil in brown butter for a summery meal.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (4 main course servings)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 225 grams dried pasta
Ingredient 02 35 grams pine nuts
Ingredient 03 70 grams unsalted butter
Ingredient 04 2 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 05 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds
Ingredient 06 1 small summer squash, sliced into rounds
Ingredient 07 Kosher salt, to taste
Ingredient 08 Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Ingredient 09 115 grams goat cheese, crumbled
Ingredient 10 10 grams fresh basil leaves, torn

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta cooking water if needed. Drain and set aside.

Instruction 02

Place a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts, stirring and tossing frequently until golden and fragrant, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove immediately from heat to prevent burning.

Instruction 03

In a separate large skillet over medium heat, add the butter. Whisk steadily as it melts and foams, cooking until golden brown bits form on the bottom and the butter smells nutty.

Instruction 04

Once the butter is browned, add minced garlic, zucchini, and summer squash rounds. Toss to coat in the butter and garlic, then sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Instruction 05

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Reduce heat to low and toss thoroughly to combine, ensuring all components are evenly coated in the brown butter sauce.

Instruction 06

Crumble in the goat cheese and mix through the pasta until just softened. Add an extra turn of cracked black pepper to taste.

Instruction 07

Add toasted pine nuts to the skillet, then fold in fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm.

Additional Tips

  1. Any preferred pasta variety can be used to suit taste or dietary needs.
  2. Brown butter imparts a rich, nutty flavor profile to the finished dish.
  3. For best texture and flavor, serve this dish promptly after preparation.

Essential Tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from butter and goat cheese.
  • Contains pine nuts, a tree nut allergen.
  • Contains gluten if prepared with wheat-based pasta.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 540
  • Fat Content: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 53 grams
  • Protein Content: 17 grams