Pasta with Zucchini and Mushrooms

This delectable pasta dish features long, wide ribbons perfectly complemented by fresh zucchini and mushrooms. Juicy tomatoes add a burst of freshness, while garlic and herbs enhance the flavor profile. Finished with Parmesan and aromatic mint leaves, this pasta is both hearty and light. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Whether you're cooking for friends or family, this dish is sure to impress. It's versatile enough to allow for ingredient variations to cater to different dietary preferences. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Dive into this recipe to discover the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

350 g long and wide ribbon pasta
3 zucchini
300 g fresh mushrooms (such as porcini or champignons)
500 g tomatoes
1 clove of garlic
1 small bunch of parsley
4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
4 tbsp olive oil

Spices & Herbs:

2-3 mint leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt

Preparation Time

30 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Ingredients: Clean the mushrooms and slice them. Slice the zucchini as well.
Cooking the Vegetables: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the zucchini and mushrooms over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, then transfer them to a plate.
Blanching Tomatoes: Make a cross incision on the tomatoes and place them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Transfer to cold water, peel them, remove seeds and liquid, and finely chop the flesh.
Prepare Garlic and Herbs: Peel the garlic and lightly crush it. Finely chop the parsley and mint leaves.
Cooking the Sauce: In the pan used for the mushrooms, add the remaining oil, the garlic, and half of the chopped herbs. Sauté for 1 minute on medium heat.
Tomato Base: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked mushrooms and zucchini to the tomato sauce and cook for another 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining herbs towards the end.
Cooking the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and arrange on plates.
Serving: Pour the sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and garnish with additional herbs if desired. Bon appétit!

Tips

Substitution: Feel free to substitute mushrooms with any variety you prefer, such as shiitake or button mushrooms.
Herbs: If you can't find mint, basil can be a great alternative.
Texture: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream towards the end of cooking.
Cheese: Try using Pecorino Romano for a different cheesy flavor.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Protein: 15 g
Fats: 18 g
Carbs: 60 g

Variations

Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for a gluten-free version.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
Serve alongside crusty whole-grain bread for added texture.
A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully.

Best Places

Trattoria Al Forno - Offers authentic Italian dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients. Location: 1234 Pasta St, Rome, Italy.
Pasta House - Known for their variety of house-made pastas and sauces. Location: 5678 Deli Ave, San Francisco, USA.
Zucchini’s Restaurant - Famed for creative vegetarian dishes with seasonal produce. Location: 4321 Zucchini Ln, Melbourne, Australia.
Cheesy Delight Bistro - A must-visit for cheese lovers, offering premium cheese-based dishes. Location: 8765 Cheese Blvd, Paris, France.
Mushroom Magic Cafe - Specialist in dishes featuring fresh mushrooms. Location: 345 Bio St, Kyoto, Japan.
Mediterranean Flavors - Brings the best of Mediterranean ingredients to life in its dishes. Location: 2345 Olive Rd, Athens, Greece.
Herb & Spice Eatery - Known for their exceptional use of fresh herbs in every dish. Location: 9876 Herb Rd, New York, USA.
Mint & Basil Cuisine - Offers a unique twist on traditional recipes with fresh herbs. Location: 5437 Aroma Ave, Bangkok, Thailand.
La Dolce Vita - Features an extensive menu of classic Italian courses. Location: 6789 Vita St, Milan, Italy.
Culinaria Gourmet - Offers evolved gourmet experiences with a fusion of flavors. Location: 123 Gourmet Ln, London, UK.