Cheesy Zucchini Linguine

Cheesy Zucchini Linguine. Sorry, but I couldn't resist the rhyme. It just rolls of the tongue so nicely. I feel it should have a place amongst the best of food rhymes, like Shake N' Bake or Peanut Butter Fluffer Nutter. 

Is that a real sandwich? Or something my equally rhyme-inclined Mom made up? Either way, peanut butter and marshmallow won't have you looking sallow.

Ricotta cheese and zucchini is another spectacular combination. This dish definitely qualifies as comfort food, and the liberal amount of black pepper adds a nice zip. And when I say liberal, I mean it. If we're talking politics here, black pepper would be lobbying for the "public option." But don't worry, this is food for all shades of the political spectrum.  It's cheesy and comforting, and the addition of zucchini is what I like to consider my contribution to a healthier society. God Bless America!

Cheesy Zucchini Linguine     Serves: 1

2 oz. dried linguine (makes about 1 cup cooked)

1/2 medium-sized zucchini, cut and quartered into bite-sized chunks

1/2 T. olive oil

1 T. white wine (optional)

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste (a large pinch recommended)

Dash of hot pepper flakes

2 T. ricotta cheese

1 T. parmesan cheese

1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

1.) Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

2.) Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add zucchini and saute until tender and slightly brown, 6-8 minutes. Add wine, hot pepper flakes, and salt. Let cook for a minute or so.

3.) Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the zucchini. Reduce heat to low, then add in the reserved pasta water, ricotta, and parmesan cheese. Stir until well-combined. Pour into a serving dish and top with plenty of cracked black pepper and parsley.

adapted from: Italian Food Forever


ps- There won't be any new posts next week since I'll be on Spring Break-- by the way, it'll be very far from the stereotypical college spring break. No worries!