Best Summer Squash Pasta With Ricotta Recipes

SUMMER SQUASH 'PASTA' WITH RICOTTA

Steps:

• Using a vegetable peeler, peel one strip off of the first squash, lengthwise. Discard first strip (since it's all skin). Rotating the squash, continue peeling the squash so each strip has a thin sliver of skin. Once there is no skin left, use the peeler to slice around the remainder of the squash until you hit the seeds. Repeat with other two squashes.
• In a large pan over medium heat, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Once the garlic starts to turn golden, add the slivers of squash and a dash of salt and pepper. Using tongs, toss to coat and drizzle a little more oil if the squash looks dry. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the slivers start to wilt. At this point, add the tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in ricotta and fresh basil. Use the tongs to work the ricotta into a sauce, ensuring each strand of squash is coated.
• Serve immediately or at room temperature.

SUMMER PASTA WITH ZUCCHINI, RICOTTA AND BASIL

Steps:

• Put a pot of water on to boil. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onions in 3 tablespoons olive oil until softened, 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat as necessary to keep onions from browning. Add zucchini, season generously with salt and pepper, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until rather soft, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat.
• Meanwhile, use a mortar and pestle to pound garlic, basil and a little salt into a rough paste (or use a mini food processor). Stir in 3 tablespoons olive oil.
• Salt the pasta water well and put in the pasta, stirring. Boil per package instructions but make sure to keep pasta quite al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
• Add cooked pasta to zucchini in skillet and turn heat to medium-high. Add 1/2 cup cooking water, then the ricotta, crushed red pepper and lemon zest, stirring to distribute. Check seasoning and adjust. Cook for 1 minute more. Mixture should look creamy. Add a little more pasta water if necessary. Add the basil paste and half the grated cheese and quickly stir to incorporate. Spoon pasta into warm soup plates and sprinkle with additional cheese. Serve immediately.