Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. This Penne with Zucchini and Mint is not just a recipe—it's a quick, elegant escape that proves gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated. With golden-brown zucchini, fragrant fresh mint, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is about to become your new weeknight wonder that looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and slice the zucchinis into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the zucchini slices in a single layer.
- Sauté the zucchini for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized on both sides.
- Chop the fresh mint leaves finely, releasing their aromatic oils.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with zucchini. Toss gently to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the pasta.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with additional mint leaves if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh mint: The key to this recipe's vibrant flavor is using fresh mint leaves, not dried. The aromatic oils make a huge difference.
- Get your zucchini caramelization right: Don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook zucchini in a single layer to achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
- Reserve pasta water: Always save some pasta water before draining. Its starchy nature helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Al dente is your friend: Cook pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite. This ensures perfect texture and prevents mushiness.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The fresh mint and warm pasta create magic when served fresh!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
