Warm Zucchini Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 knob of butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
• 300 grams paccheri or rigatoni pasta (see Cook’s note)
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• Sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste

To Serve:

• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan
• 100 grams feta, crumbled

Method:

1. Cook the Zucchini:

   • Heat the butter and olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the zucchini is soft and golden.
   • Stir in the brown sugar and chili flakes and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Pasta:

   • While the zucchini cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Add Garlic:

   • In the same sauté pan used for the zucchini, add the thinly sliced garlic.
   • Fry the garlic over low heat for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Remove the pan from the heat.
   • Stir in the lemon zest, kalamata olives, and fresh basil.
   • Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together to combine. Season with sea salt and cracked pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the pasta to serving plates.
   • Top each serving with finely grated Parmesan and crumbled feta.

Cook’s Note:

• Pasta Choice: Paccheri is a larger, tube-shaped pasta, but rigatoni works well as a substitute. Both types will hold the sauce and flavors nicely.

Tips:

• Zucchini Texture: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while cooking the zucchini to ensure it gets nicely golden. If needed, cook in batches.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
• Fresh Herbs: Add basil just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Enjoy your flavorful pasta dish! It's perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends.