Rustic Skillet Zucchini And Mushrooms Recipe

Flavorful Skillet Zucchini and Mushrooms Recipe for Cozy Dinners

When summer’s bounty meets a sizzling skillet zucchini and mushrooms recipe, magic happens in the kitchen.

Fresh garden vegetables dance together with earthy aromatics, creating a simple yet irresistible side dish.

Every slice of zucchini and mushroom promises a burst of flavor that dances on your palate.

Olive oil provides a golden base for these vegetables to caramelize and develop deep, rich notes.

Herbs and spices add layers of complexity to this quick and easy preparation.

Seasoned with just the right touch of salt and pepper, this dish turns ordinary vegetables into a memorable culinary experience.

You’ll want to grab a pan and start cooking right away.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 110 kcal

Servings: 5

Skillet Zucchini and Mushrooms Ingredient List

For Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Zucchini: Tender summer squash that adds a mild, fresh flavor and delightful texture to the dish. Choose firm, bright green zucchini with smooth skin and no blemishes.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy umami powerhouse that brings depth and richness to the skillet. Select firm, intact mushrooms with no soft spots or discoloration.
  • Onions: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that complements the vegetables. Look for firm, smooth onions without sprouts or soft areas.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that intensifies the overall flavor profile. Pick plump, firm garlic cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and visual appeal. Choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
For Cooking Fats and Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth cooking surface and adds subtle flavor. Choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy undertones and helps with browning. Select unsalted butter for better flavor control.
  • Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the vegetable flavors. Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty topping that elevates the entire dish. Select freshly grated for maximum flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the vegetables' natural taste. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

Cooking Tools for Skillet Zucchini and Mushrooms

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking zucchini, mushrooms, and combining ingredients with even heat distribution.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for slicing zucchini and chopping onions, garlic, and herbs.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable cutting and prep work.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add butter, salt, and herbs.
  • Tongs or serving spoon: Useful for transferring cooked vegetables and final serving.

Directions for Skillet Zucchini and Mushrooms

  • Kitchen Prep

Gather a large skillet, cutting board, and essential cooking tools for a delicious vegetable side dish.

  • Zucchini Golden Sear

Heat olive oil and butter in skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect sizzling surface for vegetables.

  • Zucchini First Stage

Cook zucchini slices until they develop a beautiful golden color and tender texture, then set aside.

  • Mushroom Magic

Introduce onions and mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to caramelize and develop rich, deep flavors.

  • Herb and Garlic Burst

Add fresh garlic and herbs, releasing their aromatic essence into the vegetable medley.

  • Reunion and Broth

Reunite zucchini with mushroom mixture, splash in vegetable broth to create a light, flavorful sauce.

  • Final Flourish

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, transforming the simple skillet vegetables into a restaurant-worthy side dish.

Flavor Adjustments for Zucchini and Mushrooms

  • Cut zucchini and mushrooms into uniform thickness to ensure consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to create unique taste profiles.
  • Transform this side dish into a complete meal by tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein and substance.
  • Replace traditional vegetable broth with white wine or low-sodium broth to reduce carbohydrate content and enhance the dish's complexity.
  • Try different grated cheeses like pecorino romano, asiago, or goat cheese instead of parmesan for varied flavor nuances.

How to Serve This Skillet Veggie Dish

  • Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon for a complete, balanced meal that adds extra protein and flavor.
  • Create a Hearty Bowl: Toss the zucchini and mushroom mixture over quinoa or brown rice to transform it into a satisfying and nutritious grain bowl.
  • Enhance as a Side Dish: Plate this skillet creation as a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats like beef tenderloin or lamb chops, adding a fresh vegetable element to your main course.
  • Top with Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the dish for an additional texture and nutty dimension that complements the tender vegetables.

Save and Reheat Skillet Zucchini and Mushrooms Easily

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover zucchini and mushroom skillet in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors fresh and textures intact.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to prevent drying and maintain original moisture.
  • Freeze for Later: Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, which can be stored up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients in advance, reducing cooking time and making weeknight meal preparation faster and easier.
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Rustic Skillet Zucchini And Mushrooms Recipe

Rustic Skillet Zucchini And Mushrooms


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade skillet zucchini and mushrooms delivers a simple yet delicious side dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. Savory herbs and garlic complement fresh vegetables, creating a quick and satisfying complement to any main course.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) small button mushrooms, cleaned and patted dry
  • 2 small zucchini, cut into thin, half moon slices
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) butter, divided
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable broth
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsps fresh chopped herbs (thyme and oregano recommended)
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (optional)
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • chopped fresh parsley
  • grated parmesan

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Thoroughly wash zucchini and mushrooms, finely dice onions, mince garlic, and gather herbs and spices for seamless cooking preparation.
  2. Skillet Preparation: Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature, incorporating olive oil and butter to create a rich cooking foundation.
  3. Zucchini Sauté: Arrange zucchini slices in hot skillet, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until tender and golden-edged, then transfer to a holding plate.
  4. Mushroom and Onion Layer: Return skillet to heat, melt remaining butter until foamy, then sauté onions until translucent and introduce mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize and develop deep, complex flavors without frequent stirring.
  5. Aromatic Enhancement: Quickly integrate minced garlic and selected herbs, stirring briefly to release intense fragrant oils and elevate overall dish complexity.
  6. Flavor Melding: Reintroduce zucchini to skillet, gently combine with mushroom mixture, and deglaze with vegetable broth, allowing ingredients to simmer and harmonize flavors.
  7. Final Refinement: Adjust seasoning, remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, then serve immediately while vegetables retain optimal temperature and vibrancy.

Notes

  • Maximize Flavor Potential: Allow mushrooms to brown undisturbed for deep, rich caramelization without constant stirring.
  • Moisture Management: Wipe skillet clean between cooking zucchini and mushrooms to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain crisp texture.
  • Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden edges and prevent vegetables from becoming watery or mushy.
  • Herb Timing: Add garlic and herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate aromatics and prevent burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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