Penne with Summer Squash

Penne with Summer Squash Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Pasta Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Penne with Summer Squash is a delicious and light pasta dish that is perfect for the warmer months. This recipe combines the flavors of fresh zucchini, pattypan squash, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Penne with Summer Squash is a classic Italian pasta dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of pasta and fresh summer vegetables is a staple in Italian cuisine, and this recipe puts a modern twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dry penne pasta, preferably whole-wheat
0.25 cup olive oil, preferably extra-virgin
3 medium cloves garlic, minced
2 large shallots, finely chopped
4 small zucchini (1 lb (454 g)), very thinly sliced
8 oz (227 g) small pattypan squash, quartered (2 cup)
1.5 tsp finely grated lemon peel
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground pepper
0.5 cup finely shredded fresh basil
0.33 cup chopped fresh chives
0.5 cup shaved fresh parmesan cheese (optional)

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until just tender, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, for 2 minutes.
Add zucchini and squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden at the edges, about 6 minutes.
Drain penne, reserving 1 cup of cooking water. Stir lemon peel, salt, pepper, and reserved cooking water into the squash mixture.
Transfer penne to a large serving bowl. Add the squash mixture, basil, and chives, and toss to combine.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using and serve hot.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Substitute other summer vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Use different herbs such as parsley or mint for a unique twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta until it is just tender, as overcooking can result in mushy pasta.

- When cooking the squash, be sure to cook it until it is tender and golden at the edges for the best flavor and texture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and seasonings for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Penne with Summer Squash with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of white wine for a refreshing and satisfying dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

- Saute the squash until it is tender and golden for the best flavor.

- Toss the pasta with the squash mixture just before serving to ensure that it is hot and well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer in place of penne.

- Substitute other types of summer squash such as yellow squash or zucchini for the pattypan squash.

- Use any type of hard cheese in place of Parmesan, such as Pecorino or Asiago.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. - Serve in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Penne with Summer Squash with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 15% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat and dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Summary

Penne with Summer Squash is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Penne with Summer Squash is a delicious and light pasta dish that is perfect for the warmer months. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and seasonings for a unique twist on a classic dish. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal with family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a hot summer day, the kind where the sun beats down and the air shimmers with heat. I was visiting my friend Maria, who lived on a small farm just outside of town. As soon as I arrived, she greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, leading me inside to the cool refuge of her farmhouse kitchen.

Maria was bustling about, chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove. The scent of garlic and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water. I asked her what she was making, and she replied, "Penne with Summer Squash. It's a recipe I learned from my grandmother, passed down through the generations."

I watched as she sautéed the squash in olive oil, adding in tomatoes, basil, and a touch of cream. The dish came together quickly, the vibrant colors of the vegetables mingling together in a delicious medley. Maria served it up in bowls, sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

I took my first bite and was transported to a place of pure bliss. The flavors were exquisite, the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The tender penne pasta soaked up the creamy sauce, while the summer squash added a delightful crunch. It was a dish that spoke of sunshine and warmth, a taste of summer captured in a bowl.

After finishing our meal, Maria shared the recipe with me, writing it down on a scrap of paper. I tucked it away in my purse, promising myself that I would make it at home soon.

When I returned to my own kitchen, I gathered the ingredients and set to work. As I chopped and stirred, I thought of Maria and her grandmother, of the generations of women who had lovingly prepared this dish. I felt a connection to them, a sense of tradition and history that warmed my heart.

As the penne with summer squash bubbled away on the stove, filling my home with its delicious aroma, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe. It was a dish that spoke to me, that told a story of love and family, of shared meals and shared memories.

And so, whenever I make penne with summer squash, I think of Maria and her grandmother, of that hot summer day on the farm. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the chance to create something delicious and meaningful in my own kitchen.

And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of penne with summer squash, I savor each bite, knowing that I am part of a long line of women who have found joy in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal. It is a tradition that I will carry on with pride and love, passing it down to future generations in the hopes that they too will find comfort and connection in the kitchen.