Garlic, Olive Oil, and Zucchini Pasta
Experience the Mediterranean on your plate with our Garlic, Olive Oil, and Zucchini Pasta recipe. This dish is a culinary masterpiece that beautifully blends the richness of olive oil, the aromatic essence of garlic, and the crisp appeal of zucchini.
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Mediterranean cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, history, and traditions, and our Garlic, Olive Oil, and Zucchini Pasta is a delightful thread in this culinary narrative. Each bite is a journey through centuries-old recipes that have been cherished for their simplicity and exquisite taste.
For this Garlic, Olive Oil, and Zucchini Pasta, you'll need the following:
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8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice
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2 medium zucchinis
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4 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 serrano pepper (optional, for heat)
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1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1/2 cup pasta cooking water
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1/2 cup grated Pecorino cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing Your Garlic, Olive Oil, and Zucchini Pasta:
Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic.
If you prefer a bit of heat, thinly slice the serrano pepper. Wash and julienne the zucchinis into thin strips.
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Sauté the Garlic and Zucchini: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and serrano pepper if using. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Add the julienned zucchini strips and cook until they are tender and just starting to turn golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Infuse with Basil and Pasta Water:
Tear the fresh basil leaves into the pan. The heat will release their aroma. Pour in 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water to create a light, aromatic sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
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Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, transfer it directly into the pan with the sauce using tongs, allowing some of the pasta water to come along. This helps create a beautiful, flavorful sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it's well coated and has absorbed the flavors.
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Add Pecorino Cheese: To finish, sprinkle a generous amount of grated Pecorino cheese over the pasta. The cheese will melt and add a salty, nutty richness to the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Garlic, Olive Oil, and Zucchini Pasta hot. Garnish with extra basil leaves or more cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean delight!
In every forkful of our Garlic, Olive Oil, and Zucchini Pasta, you'll experience the enchanting dance of flavors that makes this Mediterranean-inspired dish truly exceptional. The rich, savory essence of garlic sets the stage, creating a robust foundation for the dish. As the olive oil gently embraces the garlic, a luxurious richness unfolds, marrying the two in a velvety symphony of taste.
The julienned zucchini strips, cooked to tender perfection, introduce a delightful crunch, while their mild, slightly sweet notes harmonize with the garlic and olive oil. The serrano pepper, if added, infuses a gentle heat, enhancing the complexity of the flavor profile. Fresh basil leaves add a burst of aroma and a touch of herbal freshness, while the pasta cooking water transforms into a light, aromatic sauce that unifies the ingredients. The pasta, cooked directly in this sauce, absorbs these flavors, ensuring each bite is a masterpiece of taste. The finishing touch of Pecorino cheese adds a salty, nutty depth, completing the culinary composition.
This Garlic, Olive Oil, and Zucchini Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, create a culinary masterpiece that transcends the sum of its parts, inviting you to savor the artistry of Mediterranean cuisine.
