Sautéed zucchini is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. With a few basic ingredients and the right technique, you can achieve tender, caramelized zucchini that bursts with flavor.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight side dish or a nutritious addition to any meal. Below is a detailed guide to making the easy sautéed zucchini with Parmesan at home.
1. Easy Sauteed Zucchini With Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 medium zucchini (about 2 pounds), ends trimmed and cut into ½-inch-thick rounds
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and start bubbling, but don’t let it brown.
Cook the onions: Add the thinly sliced onion to the pan. Stir occasionally and let the onions cook for about 4-5 minutes, until they become soft and slightly caramelized. The sweet, golden onions will add a natural sweetness that complements the zucchini perfectly.
Add the zucchini: Add the zucchini rounds to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the oil and butter mixture. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and dried thyme over the zucchini and stir again to ensure an even seasoning.
Saute the zucchini: Cook the zucchini for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini should soften and develop a golden-brown color on the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as you want the zucchini to stay tender yet still have a slight bite to it.
Finish with butter and cheese: Once the zucchini is cooked to your liking, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Stir to melt the butter into the zucchini. Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, stirring gently to distribute the cheese and let it melt into the zucchini.
Serve and enjoy: Transfer the sauteed zucchini to a serving dish, and you’re ready to serve. The caramelized onions and Parmesan add such a wonderful flavor that makes this dish feel special, despite its simplicity.
2. Tips for Perfect Sauteed Zucchini
Sauteing zucchini is quick, but there are a few tips to ensure that it comes out perfectly every time:
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Zucchini contains a lot of water, and if you overcrowd the pan, the zucchini will steam rather than sauté, resulting in a mushy texture. If needed, cook the zucchini in batches to get that crispy, golden edge.
Use high heat: A medium-high heat is essential to get that lovely golden-brown color on the zucchini. Don’t be afraid of a little bit of caramelization—this adds so much flavor to the dish.
Cut the zucchini evenly: Slice the zucchini into uniform ½-inch rounds to ensure even cooking. This way, all the pieces cook at the same rate, avoiding some being overdone while others remain too firm.
Season well: Zucchini can be bland on its own, so seasoning is key. Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and herbs. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also be swapped in for thyme if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Finish with cheese: Adding a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan at the end not only enhances the flavor but also creates a deliciously creamy texture on the zucchini.
3. What to Eat With Sauteed Zucchini
Sauteed zucchini is an incredibly versatile side dish, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. Here are a few ideas to complement your zucchini:
Baked Meat: This dish pairs beautifully with baked chicken breast, steak, or fish. The caramelized flavor of the zucchini enhances the savory taste of the protein without overpowering it.
Pasta: Serve sauteed zucchini alongside your favorite pasta dish for a fresh, light addition. It works particularly well with pasta dishes featuring creamy or tomato-based sauces.
Rice or Quinoa: Sauteed zucchini makes a great side dish for a grain-based meal like rice or quinoa. It adds a fresh, flavorful element that balances out the heartiness of the grains.
Eggs: Sauteed zucchini can be the perfect side for eggs—whether you’re having scrambled eggs, an omelette, or poached eggs. The zucchini pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of eggs.
Tacos or Burritos: For a Mexican-inspired meal, serve sauteed zucchini with tacos or burritos. It adds a nice touch of freshness and a bit of depth to your dish.
This easy sauteed zucchini with Parmesan is simple yet delicious, and it’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and a little attention, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. It might just become one of your favorite ways to enjoy this underrated vegetable!
