Penne with Zucchini & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Penne with Zucchini & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

8 servings
This dish, which is adapted from the traditional spaghetti alla Nerano, uses simple ingredients to create a quick, flavorful dinner. Zucchini is caramelized until the flavor intensifies.

Ingredients

  • salt
    2 tbsp
  • extra-virgin olive oil
    ⅓ c
  • garlic

    sliced

    3 cloves
  • zucchini

    halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into half-moons

    3 medium
  • oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

    drained and chopped

    1 c
  • fresh basil leaves

    chopped, plus more for garnish

    10
  • 8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • bottled tomato puree

    passata

    1 c
  • penne pasta
    1 lb
  • unsalted butter
    3 tbsp
  • grated parmesan cheese

    plus more for garnish

    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, set a deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and garlic and toast until the garlic is golden brown. Add the zucchini and sauté until it’s lightly browned.

  3. 3

    Add the sun-dried tomatoes, basil and crushed red pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato puree, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, while you cook the penne.

  4. 4

    Add the penne to the boiling water and cook to al dente according to the package directions.

  5. 5

    Drain the pasta and add it to the pan of sauce. Add the cold butter and Parmesan and stir until emulsified.

  6. 6

    Serve garnished with basil and Parmesan.

Penne with Zucchini & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Penne with Zucchini & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

20 min8 servings276 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, comforting dinner that's both quick and bursting with flavor? This Penne with Zucchini & Sun-Dried Tomatoes delivers a delightful meal in just 20 minutes, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

This recipe stands out for transforming humble ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal in just minutes. The secret lies in a crucial technique: caramelizing the zucchini. This step isn't just about cooking; it's about intensifying the zucchini's natural sugars, coaxing out a profound sweetness and rich, nutty notes that form the backbone of the sauce. This simple yet impactful method elevates the dish far beyond a basic pasta, creating a complex flavor profile quickly and efficiently.

Imagine tender penne pasta perfectly coated in a vibrant, savory sauce. The star of the show, caramelized zucchini, offers a delightful sweetness and depth, counterbalancing the tangy burst from oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. A rich bottled tomato puree provides a comforting base, subtly warmed by a touch of crushed red pepper. Fresh basil brightens every mouthful, while creamy unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese weave through, creating a truly satisfying and well-rounded pasta experience. Despite its sophisticated flavors, this dish remains wonderfully approachable and yields eight generous servings.

This versatile dish welcomes small tweaks to suit your pantry or preference. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper. For an extra herbaceous note, don't shy away from adding more fresh basil. While penne is specified, this flavorful sauce pairs wonderfully with other short pasta shapes too.

Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this pasta dish is a fantastic centerpiece. Garnish with a little extra fresh basil and Parmesan for an inviting presentation.

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