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Sauteed zucchini and mushrooms in a ceramic skillet, garnished with fresh herbs.
Layla

Zucchini Mushroom Skillet

A quick, savory one-pan dinner where zucchini and mushrooms caramelize together with garlic and herbs for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1.5 lbs zucchini cut into half-moons about 1/2-inch thick
  • 12 oz cremini mushrooms quartered
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
Aromatics and Seasoning
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Cooking and Finishing
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Prep
  1. Cut the zucchini into half-moons and spread on a clean kitchen towel. Lightly salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat very dry. Quarter the mushrooms and dice the onion.
Cook
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deeply browned on one side. Stir and cook 2 minutes more, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add zucchini in a single layer and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden brown underneath. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until tender but not mushy. Transfer to the plate with mushrooms.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon of oil and the butter. Once foaming, add onion and cook 4 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Return mushrooms and zucchini to the pan. Toss everything together and cook 2 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with extra cheese on the side.

Notes

Salting and drying the zucchini is essential - skip this and you'll have a watery skillet. Cremini mushrooms give better flavor than white button, but either works. For a heartier meal, serve over creamy polenta or toss with cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water.