It belongs on your dinner table tonight.

Or at least something new to test out and possibly add to the dinnertime lineup.

The combination of spaghetti, meltingly tender (not mushy!)

Southern Living Zucchini Pasta on a plate to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

zucchini, garlic, parmesan, basil, and cream just hits, as my son likes to say.

But there are a few things to keep in mind that will take the dish from good to great.

The important thing is to ensure the slices are about the same thickness so that they cook consistently.

Southern Living Zucchini Pasta ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

You dont want one piece thats chewy next to a piece thats squishy.

So be careful when youre draining the cooked spaghetti and dont pour the liquid down the drain.

Grate The Cheese

Take the extra few minutes to grate your own parmesan for this dish.

The pre-grated kind sold in containers will clump in the sauce, ruining the creamy and smooth texture.

Make It Your Own

Another thing to love about this dish is that it is so flexible.