Zucchini Pappardelle ‘Pasta’

Zucchini “Pappardelle” Arrabiata with Ricotta & Pesto incorporates summer’s fresh veggies and herbs. I usually prefer the smaller to medium-sized zucchini, as I think the flavor and texture is better. I thought the ones I had on hand were too small for a spiralizer. I initially thought about making a layered pasta dish like a lasagna. Still, I wanted more texture from the zucchini, so I hatched the idea of making it into “pappardelle.” Is it as good as the real thing?? Heck no!

Nothing beats fresh pasta. But this dinner felt decadent with the rich fresh ricotta, bright fragrant tangy pesto, and spicy sauce. As an added bonus, it kept my carb intake down, so I could save for a later indulgence. I’m mostly low-carb. My guys aren’t, so I often make low-carb items they will like or have quick and easy substitutions.  For this dinner, the kiddo at home with us isn’t a zucchini fan.  He whipped up some penne pasta as his substitute, so I recommend something like that for those who have finicky eaters to accommodate.

1. 1. For the ricotta: Set a fine-mesh sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen two pieces of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with a double layer of the cheesecloth.

2. Pour the milk and cream into a medium stainless-steel or enameled pot, and stir in the salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and pour in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute, until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).

3. Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 minutes (for soft ricotta) to 25 minutes (for firmer ricotta), occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining liquid. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.

4. For the pesto: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon, and a small drizzle of olive oil. Pulse the food processor several times. Scrape the sides down. Add drizzles of olive oil and pulse several times. Scrape down the sides again.  Continue this process until the pesto is the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. For the arrabbiata sauce and “pappardelle”: In a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil and brown the Italian sausage with around a quarter of the chopped onion. When it’s done remove it and set aside, leaving some of the drippings in the pan. Add the remaining onions to the pan, with the crushed red pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.  Cook over medium heat until the onions begin to soften and become translucent. Add the grated garlic, stir, and cook for another minute or two.  Add the tomato paste, reduce heat to medium low, and stir for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, stirring to break them up. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Stir in the cooked sausage and onions, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and set aside to keep warm.

6. In a clean skillet heat a drizzle of olive oil.  Add the zucchini slices and a little salt and pepper. Sauté for a couple minutes on medium until the zucchini slices start to slightly soften.  Add a little sauce to the pan and to coat the zucchini.

7. To assemble and serve, layer the zucchini “pappardelle” on plates or a platter , then ladle the arrabbiata sauce on top.  Top with fresh ricotta and pesto, and garnish with a chiffonade of basil.