Meatless Monday: Zucchini Ribbon Pasta

By: Mallory Stuchin
EK-0503
Zucchini Ribbon Pasta, Zucchini Ribbon Pasta

zucchini-ribbon-pasta-recipe

EK-0503 Zucchini Ribbon Pasta, Zucchini Ribbon Pasta

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012,Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Marshall Troy, 2012,Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Meatless Monday is a global movement, a way of lifeEating less meat has been proven to reduce the risk of disease, curb obesity and has important environmental impacts, too. Will you join us in giving up meat, just for one day a week?

It’s that time of year when zucchini is everywhere, whether you're growing it, getting a pile from the CSA or accidentally purchasing a crateful from the farmers' market (we get it — they looked that good). But now you’re left wondering, what am I supposed to do with this stuff? The answer: Make this zucchini ribbon fettuccine. Ellie Krieger laces green and yellow squash ribbons throughout  whole wheat pasta before topping the whole dish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. Red pepper lends just enough kick to keep things interesting — and ensures that you’ll be making this bright dish again soon. Give your tomato sauce a break and enjoy the season's bounty (or rather, find a reason to feel less guilty about all that green).

3/4 pound whole-wheat fettuccine
2 medium green zucchini (about 1 pound)
2 medium yellow zucchini (about 1 pound)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup grated (1-ounce) Parmesan (lightly packed), plus 2 tablespoons

1/3 cup finely minced parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
1 cup thinly sliced basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Salt
DIRECTIONS

In a large pasta pot, cook pasta "al dente", 1 or 2 minutes less than the package instructions call for. Drain.

Meanwhile, slice off ends of zucchini and discard. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a mandoline, or carefully with a sharp knife, slice zucchini into very thin (about 1/8-inch) slices, trying to keep some skin on each piece for color. Stack slices and cut in half lengthwise. Reserve zucchini ribbons in a large bowl.

In the pasta pot, heat the olive oil over low-medium heat. Add garlic and cook until soft and translucent but not browned, about 1 minute. Add zucchini ribbons and 1/4 cup chicken broth, raise heat to medium-high and cook until zucchini is still somewhat firm but just cooked, about 3 minutes. Return pasta to pot and add remaining chicken stock; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until liquid has mostly absorbed into the pasta. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper and toss to combine. Season with salt, to taste. Serve garnished with additional parsley, basil and the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese.

Next Up

Meatless Monday: Pasta with Lavender

With its citrus notes and floral flavor, lavender adds sophistication to both sweet and savory dishes alike. Try it yourself in Mark Bittman’s pasta with lavender.

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