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Garlic Butter Sautéed Zucchini & Yellow Squash Recipe

This simple sautéed zucchini and yellow squash recipe makes a flavorful, easy side dish any time of year. Tender zucchini and yellow squash are cooked with onion and garlic, then finished with a golden layer of Parmesan.

zucchini and yellow squash cooked with parmesan cheese on top

Zucchini and yellow squash are quick to prepare and soak up flavor beautifully. This is a family-friendly recipe I make often — the cheese finish helps get even picky eaters to enjoy their veggies.

zucchini side dish cooked in a cast iron skillet and topped with parmesan cheese

How to Make Zucchini and Yellow Squash

Prepare the vegetables and have your ingredients ready before you start cooking.

  1. Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into even rounds.
  2. Dice a white onion.
  3. Mince the garlic (or use pre-minced).
  4. Grate the Parmesan cheese.

Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until it begins to soften.

sauteed zucchini and yellow squash

Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are just tender. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté about 30–45 seconds, until fragrant. Take care not to overcook — the vegetables should be soft but not mushy.

sauteed zucchini and yellow squash topped with parmesan cheese

Sautéed Zucchini and Yellow Squash with Parmesan

Finish the dish by sprinkling a generous layer of grated Parmesan over the hot vegetables. For a bubbly, slightly browned top, place the skillet on the upper oven rack under the broiler on high for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn. If you don’t have a broiler, cover the skillet with a lid until the cheese melts.

zucchini with melted parmesan

Ingredients Needed for Sautéed Zucchini and Yellow Squash

A short ingredient list delivers big flavor. You’ll need:

  • zucchini squash
  • yellow squash
  • white onion
  • garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper

Zucchini Squash Recipe Video

Watch the short video below to see this recipe in action.

Sautéed Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipe

I hope your family enjoys this easy side dish — please come back and leave a review to let me know how it turned out!

sauteed zucchini and yellow squash in a cast iron pan

Print Recipe

Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipe

This simple sautéed zucchini and yellow squash recipe is a perfect side dish year round. Zucchini, yellow squash, onion, garlic and Parmesan combine for a quick and tasty dish.
Prep Time
5
Cook Time
10
Total Time
15
Servings: 6
Calories: 105kcal
Author: Sarah Alvord, Feeding Your Fam

Ingredients

  • 2 zucchini, sliced
  • 2 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into even rounds.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
  • Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash and continue to sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds.
  • Top the vegetables with grated Parmesan and place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese melts and browns slightly. Alternatively, cover the skillet until the cheese melts.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Notes

The squash used for this recipe were about 9 inches long; adjust slice thickness and cook time as needed for smaller or larger squash.

Nutrition

Calories: 105 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Protein: 3 g

Post updated with new images 10/01/2024; the recipe remains the same.

Other Simple Vegetable Side Dishes:

  • Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon
  • Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
  • Garlic Butter Broccoli