So, I’m not a huge fan of zucchini. There’s something about its vibrant color that makes you think you’re biting into a veggie that’s packed full of flavor. It’s actually the same way I feel about eggplant. However, the Whole Foods by my work had the most beautiful zucchini arrangement last week and I couldn’t help but buy one and hope that I that I find a yummy recipe to put it in. Turns out, I did.
I introduce to you, Summer Skillet Pasta. I took this recipe from one on of my favorite blogs, Iowa Girl Eats. Her recipe calls for chicken sausage, but since I am a vegetarian, I decided not to use that ingredient (obvi). I know that there is some yummy vegetarian sausage at every grocery store, and I’m going to be honest with you – I was too lazy to get it. In my opinion, omitting that spicy sausage flavor didn’t take away from the dish at all.
This skillet took about 20 minutes to make, so it was perfect. (Did I mention how lazy I was feeling that day?)
Summer Skillet Pasta:
Ingredients:
8 oz penne, dry (or any pasta)
1/2lb spicy chicken sausage
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, sliced
1/2 shallot, sliced
1 zucchini, halved and sliced
salt & pepper
10oz cherry tomatoes
fresh basil
Romano or parmesan cheese, if desired
The Method:
1. Heat the skillet over medium and add extra virgin olive oil to the skillet. Add garlic slices and shallots and cook until they start to turn golden brown, about 1 minute. Add zucchini, season with salt and pepper, then saute until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes then place a lid on top of the skillet and allow tomatoes to get hot and tender, about 3 minutes, stirring once or twice.
2. Meanwhile, cook penne in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
3.. Add some of the pasta cooking water to create a sauce and make sure pasta isn’t sticking together Serve topped with torn fresh basil, and grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
WONDERFUL……..YOU MAKE A PLATE SING. OOOOH LALA
haha. Thanks! It was really yummy, and super-easy too! I made Nick swear he wouldn’t tell anyone I ate two huge plates of it… 🙂
And so she puts it out there for all the blogosphere to see…hmmmm…
Haha! It’s okay if my followers read it.. only let’s them know how yummy it was 🙂
I make this dish often, love zucchini.
I didn’t, but I do now 🙂
I am sure you love it.
That looks delicious! I really like how it looks cheesy, but not over the top!
Being a major cheese lover, I usually over-cheese things… but this was delicious with just a tiny bit :). Thanks for your comment!
YUM! Can’t wait to show this to my husband (the cook!) Thanks for stopping by my blog. Apparently I will be finding my dinner here! 🙂
Thanks! My goal is to prepare yummy recipes while still being health-conscious. However, I tend to indulge from time to time 😉
Well we have a (almost) 9 year old who is gluten, dairy and soy allergic, so we are always looking for creative ways to eat as a fmily. I will be watching! Thanks again!
That is challenging to cook then! I’ve been trying to dabble in gluten-free and dairy-free… hopefully I can make something that you and the whole family can enjoy 🙂
A lovely but simple tasty pasta dish! Love it!