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Light Summer Squash Pasta

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A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring fresh summer squash, zucchini, and creamy goat cheese, perfect for warm evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (De Cecco recommended)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 summer squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 oz creamy goat cheese
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3 tbsp toasted pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your De Cecco pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Then, add sliced summer squash and zucchini, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
  3. Add the Butter and Lemon: Toss in the unsalted butter to melt into the veggies. After it’s melted, add the reserved lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing everything.
  4. Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add drained pasta into the sauté pan with the cooked vegetables. Mix them together, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  5. Stir in Goat Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in creamy goat cheese, letting it gently melt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Finish with Heat: If desired, add red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil. Mix until well combined.
  7. Plating Time!: Serve pasta on a platter or in individual bowls. Sprinkle with extra goat cheese, parmesan, and basil for garnish.

Notes

For a twist, substitute goat cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Feel free to add more seasonal vegetables for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer pasta, light pasta, squash recipes, vegetable pasta

Find it online: https://peakplatter.com/light-summer-squash-pasta/