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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Penne Carbonara with Zucchini

4 to 6 Servings

30 minutes

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Traditionally made with eggs, cured pork, hard cheese and plenty of pepper, carbonara is classic Italian comfort fare. For a lighter, equally delicious version, we’ve replaced the pancetta or guanciale typically used with zucchini (or yellow summer squash). Sautéed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and pepper flakes, the zucchini takes on a richness that stands in for the pork. To build the dish’s creamy, silky-smooth sauce, a paste of eggs and Parmesan is combined with pasta cooking liquid, made especially starchy by boiling the noodles in a bare amount of water.

4 to 6

Servings

30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1

    pound medium zucchini OR yellow summer squash

  • 1

    pound penne OR ziti

Directions

Reviews
NANCY H.
August 7, 2026
Yummy and easy!
Made this on a night when I didn’t really feel like cooking but had 2 zucchini from my local farm that needed to be used. It was easy - made easier by a mandoline that julienned the zucchini - and quite tasty! I have to admit i added about 2 oz of pancetta but it wasn’t necessary - would have been delicious without it. Will go on my make again list for sure!
Becky W.
August 28, 2025
Another great way to enjoy zucchini!
I used half the amount of noodles but made the full zuke and egg mixture. So delicious! Even the next day it was still smooth and silky. I'll make this often!
Chuck N.
May 5, 2025
PENNE CARBONARA WITH ZUCCHINI
Wow! Such amazing flavors, slightly zippy, creamy, just delicious. The only addition was Trader Joe’s mini San Marzano tomatoes sliced on the diagonal, about 1/2” thick. They aren’t overly juicy, but add some texture and flavor. That being said, the dish didn’t need it. Very easy recipe to follow.
George S.
July 1, 2024
A great vegetarian take on carbonara
I peeled and smashed the garlic flat and sautéed it in the olive oil until golden, removed it, then sliced the zucchini and cooked until deeply brown. Otherwise, I made the recipe as directed. The result was delicious.

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