Penne Tricolore

NcMysteryShopper's Note:

Zucchini, summer squash, and carrots are combined with Kalamata olives, basil, and plenty of lemon to make a delightful summery pasta. If you've got a garden full of zucchini, use twice as much and simply omit the summer squash. Then you can call the dish "Penne Duecolore." A crisp, quintessentially summer white wine, such as a fendant from Switzerland or an Orvieto or Soave from Italy, will accentuate the fresh basil and vegetables.

• Total Time: 24 mins
• Prep Time: 12 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3/4 lb penne rigate
• 1 small zucchini, seeded and cut into 2-inch-long matchstick strips
• 1 small summer squash, seeded and cut into 2-inch-long matchstick strips
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch-long matchstick strips
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives or 1/2 cup other black olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, zest of, grated
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the penne rigate until almost done, about 11 minutes. Add the zucchini, summer squash, and carrots and bring back to a boil. Cook until the vegetables and penne are just done, about 2 minutes longer. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the penne and vegetables.
2. In a large bowl, toss the pasta, vegetables, 6 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, olives, basil, Parmesan, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If the pasta seems dry, add more of the reserved pasta water. Serve with additional Parmesan.
3. Seeding Zucchini and Summer Squash:.
4. Because the zucchini and summer squash are boiled in this recipe, it's a good idea to seed them first. Otherwise, the pulpy seeds get water-logged. To remove them, cut the zucchini or squash into quarters lengthwise. Then simply cut off the seeds.

Reviews

[Enjolinfam]

This is a deliciously fresh tasting recipe! I had to add more salt and next time I think I'll add some cooked garlic. Thanks for a new favorite!! UPDATE: This pasta has become a regular in my house, but now we always add marinated artichoke hearts and garlic salt. Thanks again! :D

[KissKiss]

This was just okay for us. I don't know why I didn't like it more, because it has all my favorite flavors. It just seemed to be missing something. I like the basis of the recipe, so I think I'll play with it. Thanks!

[CASunshine]

Very nice, fresh tasting recipe! I used the Barilla whole grain penne and added some sauted shrimp in garlic at the last minute. Delicious and beautiful dish!