Penne with Sauteed Zucchini and Ricotta
- 2 1/2 pounds small zucchini
- 1 1/2 pounds penne
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 5 medium garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup finely shredded fresh basil
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the zucchini and blanch for 2 minutes; they should still be crisp.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the zucchini to a work surface and slice crosswise about 1/3 inch thick.
- Bring the water back to a boil, add the penne and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Meanwhile, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan.
- Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until soft but not brown, about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced zucchini, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until very tender but not falling apart, abut 12 minutes.
- Fold the zucchini into the pasta along with the basil, ricotta and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
- Drizzle in olive oil to taste.
- Transfer the pasta to shallow soup plates, sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan and serve.
zucchini, penne, extravirgin olive oil, garlic, salt, fresh basil, ricotta cheese, freshly grated parmesan cheese
Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/penne-with-sauteed-zucchini-and-ricotta (may not work)