Categories: Main Dish, Pasta, Rachael Ray, Zucchini

Ingredients

• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound penne rigate pasta
• 2 firm zucchini
• About 3 tablespoons (EVOO)
• 1 Fresno chili pepper, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh tarragon or 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped and toasted

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.

2. While the pasta is working, halve the zucchini lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Thinly slice into 1/4-inch-by-2-inch strips – think fat matchsticks.

3. In a large skillet, heat the EVOO, three turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Stir in the chili pepper and garlic for a minute. Add the zucchini, season with salt and pepper and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes.

4. Add the lime juice to the zucchini and stir in the butter to melt. Add the pasta, parsley, mint, tarragon (or basil), a handful of cheese and the reserved starchy cooking water. Toss for 1-2 minutes. Top with more cheese and the pistachios.

Email to a friend | Print this recipe | Back