This Week’s Recipe: Penne with Zucchini, Mint and Ricotta


Why Penne with Zucchini?


As much as I love pastas that are rich in flavour with a sense of the time put into making them, I also enjoy simple light pasta dishes that celebrate a few ingredients and a simple method. This pasta is one of the later and is perfect for the warmer months ahead.


The ingredient list is small and simple and can be bought in one grocery shop. Besides tasting great with a light sauce made by ricotta, a dab of butter and the natural juices from the zucchini, this pasta also seems to be a huge hit with kids of all ages.


To be honest I do not cook for small kids very often (as I don’t have any of my own). I do however, have friends who ask me what are some dishes that are ‘sophisticated’ yet their children will enjoy, without feeling like they themselves are eating from the kids’ menu – again.


Ingredients


320g penne

4 medium zucchini, grated

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/3 cup mint, chopped

1/4 cup flat leaf parsley. Chopped

100g ricotta

30g butter

60g shaved Parmesan

Salt

Pepper


Method


Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and bring to the boil again and add the penne. Stir frequently and cook for approximately 6 minutes or until al dente.


In the meantime grate the zucchini and season with salt and pepper.


Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes or until soft. Turn the heat to high and add the zucchini. Toss the zucchini for 1 minute or until liquid starts to release from the zucchini.


When the pasta is cooked, drain and add to the zucchini. Add the ricotta and fold the ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper.


Just before serving fold through the mint, parsley and Parmesan.


Serves 4


Bon Appetite


For an adult only alternative, serve sprinkled with dried chilli flakes.



2 comments:

Mary said...

I made this Cutting the zucchini into ribbons instead of grating- it was so pretty and texture full. I also just chucked in broadbeans instead of peas- i'd probably just go with peas next time!

Jessica said...

Thanks for the comments Mary. Yes I am sure ribbons would have looked great - plus tasting food too.

I love that you experimented as well.

Keep cooking and have fun

 

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