Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Penne With Summer Squash & Zucchini

A few tomato slices sprinkled with Balsamic Vinegar compliment the pasta dish beautifully!

This Penne Pasta is modified from a Mario Batali recipe...Mario and his family vacation in our neck of the woods and he recently had a book signing event at Border's in Traverse City, Michigan. His new book is entitled: Batali's Molto Gusto! He is a colorful and talented chef and this recipe is simply the best pasta ever!!!
Penne With Summer Squash & Ricotta
(I used part summer squash and part zucchini with great results)

Kosher Salt
1 cup whole milk Ricotta
6 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 pound summer squash (sliced in 1/2 lengthwise and then sliced in 1/3" pieces
1/2 pound zucchini (prepared just like the summer squash)
Sea Salt
1 pound Penne pasta
6 tablespoons coursely chopped fresh mint
Coursely ground back pepper

Prepare the Penne according to box directions (salting the water with Kosher salt (1 tablespoon)

Whisk ricotta and 3 tablespoons olice oil in a small bowl. Stir in Parmigiano well.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the squash and cook, stirring often until done (we like the squash not mushy). It takes about 5 minutes or so. Season with the sea salt and remove from heat.

By this time the pasta is done to perfection (al dente). Drain and reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water.

Add pasta and reserved water to the squash and cook again over medium heat stirring well. Cover & reduce heat to low and steam for about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in mint, add a bit of salt & pepper if needed for your tastes.

Pour pasta into a serving bowl and garnish with the ricotta mixture.

This serves 6-8

6 comments:

  1. Greetings from Foodista! I saw your blog on the foodie blog roll and thought I'd drop by to say hello.I love Mario's recipes, were you able to see him at the book signing? I look forward to reading more of your post. Cheers!

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  2. Alisa,

    Thank you so much for dropping by! I am a fan of Mario but was unable to attend the signing party! I am hoping to post tomorrow...our family is having a "Throwdown" consisting of an appetizer/beverage pairing.

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  3. Looks good Dale!

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  4. Ummm, I read in the paper today that Mario will be in T.C again this month for a cooking demonstration - actually a whole day of wonderful stuff tickets on sale on some website, oh, if I could only remember. It was in the T.C. Sunday paper

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  5. I forgot to ask, what's the foodie blogroll? Can you post the link, please?

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