Recipes from Cooking Light, Southern Living, Sunset, Coastal Living, All You, Real Simple, and Health
Pasta with Zucchini and Goat Cheese
Photo: John Kernick; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
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Worthy of a Special Occasion

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12  ounces  (3/4 of the box) linguine
  • 1  tablespoon  olive oil
  • 1  pound  zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1  clove garlic, chopped
  • 5  ounces  fresh goat cheese, crumbled
  • 2  teaspoons  grated lemon zest

Preparation

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.

Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until the zucchini is tender and any liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add all but 2 tablespoons of the cheese to the pasta. Add the reserved pasta water, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir until creamy.

Serve the pasta topped with the zucchini, lemon zest, and the remaining cheese.

Tip: Fresh goat cheese is creamy and soft, which makes it ideal for incorporating into pasta dishes. Buy a log and crumble your own; the precrumbled bits sold in stores often don't melt as well, and they can be more expensive.

Nutritional Information

Calories:
455 (24% from fat)
Fat:
12g (sat 6g)
Protein:
20g
Carbohydrate:
68g
Fiber:
4g
Cholesterol:
16mg
Sodium:
746mg
Sara Quessenberry, Real Simple, JUNE 2008

Member Ratings and Reviews

5 stars
Saraliza
We have made this many times. It's a fast, easy family-pleasing favorite. Great with a green salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Sometimes I make it with feta cheese instead of goat cheese.01/24/10

5 stars
MamaSays (Lynn) from An Unknown Location
Quick. Simple. Delicious. Followed the recipe as written; did add some diced fresh tomatoes just before serving. The lemon zest shows thru the next day - yummy leftovers. Made this for a light family summer dinner; served with a green salad and fruit salad for dessert.07/28/09