Zucchini Pasta

Ingredients

2 pounds zucchini
2 garlic cloves
12 large basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 Tbsp butter, divided
1 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 pound pasta, uncooked (I like Fusilli)
1 cup fresh finely shredded parmesan cheese (about 2 oz.), divided
salt & pepper to taste


Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

Meanwhile, trim and discard ends of zucchini. Cut each zucchini into 3- to 4-in. lengths; cut each length into 1/4- to 1/2-in.-thick matchsticks and set aside. Chop garlic and set aside. Cut basil leaves into thin ribbons and set aside.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, toast pine nuts, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp. butter with 2 tsp. olive oil. Increase heat to high and add half of the zucchini and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook zucchini, stirring frequently, until soft and browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer zucchini to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving as much of the butter and oil in the pan as possible. Repeat with remaining zucchini and 1/4 tsp. salt. Remove frying pan from heat and reserve.

Add pasta to boiling water and cook until pasta is tender to the bite, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Meanwhile, heat reserved frying pan over medium-high heat, add remaining 1 tsp. olive oil and the chopped garlic, and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add reserved zucchini and pine nuts. Cook, stirring, until well combined.

Add zucchini mixture and reserved basil to cooked pasta and toss to combine. Add 1/2 cup parmesan and remaining 1 Tbsp. butter. Toss until butter melts and everything is well-combined. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup parmesan and serve immediately.


NOTE: Cutting the zucchini into strips and cooking them until they're tender but still holding their shape allows them to twist and turn around the fusilli, clinging to the noodles like sauce. In addition, the pine nuts add richness to the plate, which—like all good pasta dishes—tastes greater than the sum of its parts.


This recipe is also linked to...

Delicious Dishes: Fall Favourites