Penne with Herbed Zucchini
and Goat Cheese
6 ounces penne or other tubular pasta
3 medium zucchini
1 large garlic clove
2 teaspoons mixed fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano,
and marjoram leaves
2 ounces (1/4 cup) soft mild goat cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fill a 4-quart kettle three-fourths full
with salted water and bring water to a boil for pasta.
- Halve zucchini lengthwise and cut crosswise
into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Thinly slice garlic lengthwise and
finely chop herbs. Crumble goat cheese.
- In a heavy skillet heat oil over moderately
high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté zucchini,
stirring, until browned and just tender. Stir in garlic and herbs
and sauté, stirring, 1 minute.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente
and reserve 1 cup cooking water. Drain pasta in a colander and
in a bowl toss with zucchini mixture, cheese, 1/4 cup reserved
cooking water, and salt and pepper to taste, adding additional
reserved cooking water if necessary.
Makes 2 servings.