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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Sautéed Patty Pan Squash

    Published: Aug 20, 2021 / Modified: Aug 20, 2021 by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN / This post may contain affiliate links / 4 Comments

    • 10
    Jump to Recipe Print
    sauteed patty pan squash with parmesan cheese in a serving bowl on a counter

    This simple side dish is full of flavor and comes together in under 20 minutes! Tender, sautéed patty pan squash, a type of zucchini also known as scallop squash, is seasoned with garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese.

    sauteed patty pan squash with parmesan cheese in a serving bowl on a counter

    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my affiliate disclosure.

    Are you familiar with patty pan squash?! It’s an interesting variety of zucchini that has scalloped edges. I think it looks like a cross between a flying saucer and a pie plate, but maybe that’s just me. Allegedly, it got its name because it resembles a “pan for baking a patty.”

    If you have a CSA share or go to farmers markets regularly, then you have probably seen patty pan squash in the past few weeks. I have actually seen an uptick in searches for patty pan on the blog, so I know some of you have been looking for a recipe!

    It seems to be perfect timing to post about this sautéed patty pan squash as a wonderful way to eat a fun summer vegetable. This dish is ready in under 20 minutes and packs a ton of flavor for a handful of ingredients.

    I first came up with this idea last summer when cooking a zucchini at my sister and brother-in-law’s house. I really liked the flavors and have been waiting a whole year to share it with all of you! I hope you enjoy!

    two yellow and one green patty pan squash next to each other on a counter

    How to Prepare Patty Pan Squash

    1. Wash the squash and trim off the ends.
    2. Cut them however you’d like into 1-inch pieces. I usually slice the squash crosswise and then cut the slices up.
    3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic followed by the squash, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
    4. Season with red pepper flakes and lemon zest a few minutes into cooking, then add the parmesan just before you remove the squash from heat. Voila!
    • sliced patty pan squash on a bamboo cutting board next to a knife
    • diced patty pan squash cooking in a skillet with a wooden spoon on a counter

    Expert Tips

    For the full sautéed patty pan squash recipe, scroll down to the recipe card. But first, here are my expert tips for this dish.

    • Looking for patty pan squash to make this recipe? Check the farmers market during August. Some large grocery stores, health food stores, and local food co-ops also carry them.
    • Serve the dish on the side of fish, veggie burgers, or another lean protein source. It would pair well with my Spinach Feta Salmon Burgers, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers, Halloumi Sandwiches with Veggies and Pesto, Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese with Heirloom Tomato, or Tortellini Tomato Soup.
    • Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for a minute or two.
    • To make sautéed patty pan squash vegan, omit the parmesan cheese. Add a sprinkle of sea salt to make up for the lack of salty parmesan.
    patty pan squash cooked in a skillet and topped with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes

    More Zucchini Recipes

    Love this recipe? You may also enjoy the Zucchini Risotto with Shrimp, Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Creamy Peanut Zucchini Noodles with Chicken.

    I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.

    sauteed patty pan squash with parmesan cheese in a serving bowl on a counter

    Sautéed Patty Pan Squash

    Red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and salty parmesan complement patty pan zucchini in this simple side dish.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 20 mins
    Servings: 3
    Calories: 155kcal
    Author: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic - minced
    • 3 patty pan squash - cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
    • Stir in the diced patty pan squash. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned. About halfway through the cooking time, add the lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
    • Just before removing the squash from heat, stir in the parmesan cheese. Serve, and enjoy!
    • Leave a rating or review by tapping the stars on this recipe card (above) or in the comments section (at the end of the post)!

    Notes

    • To make vegan, omit the cheese and add a pinch of salt.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave on high for a minute.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 133mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 491IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @its_a_vegworld_afterall and follow me today!

    Have a great weekend! – Lizzie

    More Plant-Forward Side Dishes

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      Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes
    • 10

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    1. Christine

      October 06, 2022 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      I made more than the recipe called for and it turned out well. The hint of lemon was just right. I’m sure there isn’t much Vitamin K in the Patty Pan Squash, but why is Vitamin K never shown in the nutritional content? Not jut your recipe.
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

        October 07, 2022 at 2:48 pm

        Hi Christine, I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for your review and question. Vitamin K is not one of the micronutrients that is required to be on nutrition labels for foods, so that’s why it is not usually shown in the nutritional content for online recipes either. Until recently, the nutrients required to be listed on physical food labels were calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. Now it is calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin D.

        Reply
    2. Linda

      October 02, 2021 at 11:54 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious.

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

        October 03, 2021 at 2:53 pm

        Glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Linda! Thanks for leaving a rating.

        Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Lizzie, a Registered Dietitian and cookbook author who loves vegetables. And I'm here to help you love them too! My easy, veggie-forward recipes will help you get comfortable in the kitchen and celebrate the seasons.

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