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Close-up of foolproof pasta with zucchini, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted nuts in a white bowl.

Foolproof Pasta with Zucchini, Goat Cheese, and Pine Nuts

This recipe offers a simple and delicious pasta dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It features tender zucchini, creamy goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. This dish is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta your favorite kind
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small zucchini squash sliced into rounds
  • 1 small summer squash sliced into rounds
  • kosher salt
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pine nuts. Stir them until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
  3. Heat another skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Whisk constantly until the butter browns and becomes golden. Add the minced garlic and sliced squash. Cook for 5 minutes until the zucchini softens. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the zucchini. Turn the heat to low. Toss to combine. Add the crumbled goat cheese and toss well. Add more black pepper. Stir in the toasted pine nuts.
  5. Stir in the fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is a great base for customization. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp.

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