Pasta And Zucchini Modified From Pioneer Woman Recipes

VEGGIE-PACKED PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package guidelines. Drain, reserving a 1/4 cup of the pasta water (plus a little more). Set the pasta and pasta water aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over a medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic and stir. Add the asparagus and zucchini and sprinkle with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, to soften the vegetables, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the white wine, scrape up the bottom of the pan and let the wine cook down. Add the kale, peas, ricotta cheese, pesto and the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water and bring to a boil, cook for 1 minute. Add the drained pasta and mix thoroughly. Use more pasta water as needed if the sauce is too thick.
• Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
• Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a medium bowl and mix until well combined.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the pasta, then bake until the breadcrumbs are golden, and the sauce is bubbly, 15 to 17 minutes.
• Remove and garnish with fresh parsley.

PASTA SALAD WITH TOMATOES, ZUCCHINI, AND FETA

Steps:

• Cook pasta until done. Drain and rinse in cold water until completely cool. Add olive oil and lemon juice, then add salt and pepper to taste (do not undersalt). Toss to combine. Add zucchini, tomatoes, parsley, and feta, and toss to combine. Add more of what you think it needs; I like to go heavy on the feta! Squeeze in a little more lemon juice/drizzle more olive oil if it needs more moisture.Cover in plastic wrap for at least a couple of hours. Pasta is best when chilled for a few hours before serving. *Note: Add grilled shrimp, grilled chicken, or grilled flank steak if you need a little protein.

ZUCCHINI NOODLES

Steps:

• Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zucchini into long ribbons.
• Set a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and heat the butter and olive oil. Add the zucchini and toss around in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Add the Parmesan, tomatoes and garlic and toss to heat through. Sprinkle over the basil and serve within a few minutes, before the zucchini gets too soft!

PIONEER WOMAN'S PASTA SALAD WITH TOMATOES, ZUCCHINI AND FETA

Steps:

• Cook bowtie pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse. Add olive oil and lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pioneer Woman says DO NOT UNDERSALT! Toss and then add zucchini, tomatoes, parsley and feta cheese. Toss.
• Add more of whatever you think it needs. PW says she likes to go heavy on the feta. Squeeze in a little more lemon juice and/or drizzle in a little more olive oil if it looks like it needs more moisture. Cover and refrigerate a few hours before serving.