Whole Wheat Linguine with Garden Fresh Summer Veggie Medley

I got this lovely Bennings Green Tint Patty Pan Squash from the Garden Fairy, and I thought it would be good in a pasta dish. I’ve never used this type of squash before, but based on how thin the skin felt, I figured it was edible, as long as I trimmed off the end pieces. I wasn’t sure about the seeds, so I didn’t end up using those. I also had a wonderful, gigantic garden tomato from my father-in-law, so I used that here, too. Basically, I used all of the veggies that I had hanging around, and the results were awesome! I thought about adding some peas, but didn’t, and Dino said that it was the only thing that would have made it better (without me telling him that I debated putting them in there), so next time, I’ll add that. I know it doesn’t look like anything special, but trust me – this stuff rocked! This is a wonderful way to use up some of summer’s bounty, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian dinner.

Whole Wheat Linguine with Garden Fresh Summer Veggie Medley

Ashley Covelli

1/2 pound whole wheat linguine

2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

approx. 2 cups Bennings Green Tint Patty Pan Squash (or other summer squash), seeded and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 green bell pepper, diced,

1/2 shallot, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

pinch of red pepper flakes

salt and pepper, to taste

1 extra large tomato (preferably garden fresh or heirloom), roughly chopped into large pieces

1 Tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for garnish

5-6 basil leaves, thinly sliced

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the linguine and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté squash, bell pepper, garlic and shallot seasoned with salt, pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes until veggies are tender and the squash is getting golden brown. Add in the tomato and vinegar and allow it to melt down into a thick sauce-like consistency.

Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the veggies, and stir in pasta water a little at a time to get the sauce loose enough to coat the pasta. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss together. Top with sliced basil and enjoy!

Big Flavors Rating: 5 Stars