The July sun is beating down and the mercury is rising, that makes this the perfect time to try Jacques Pépin’s Summertime Pasta. After all, the last thing the SFH Test Kitchen wants is to spend hours in a hot kitchen. But that doesn’t mean that we’re ready to sacrifice delicious, satisfying meals. The fact is, Jacques’s pasta recipe is the perfect solution for these sweltering July days. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors.
Hello my friends. – What I love most about this Summertime Pasta is how it allows the natural flavors of the produce to shine. There’s no need for heavy sauces or complex seasonings – just pure, unadulterated deliciousness. It’s the kind of meal that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
One of the best things about this dish is how easily it can be adapted to suit your personal tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. For example, we added diced shallot to the recipe. Either shallot or red onion work beautifully to add a subtle, savory depth of flavor.
Although Jacques’s Summertime Pasta is similar to his Pasta Primavera recipe, the flavor is different due to the selection of vegetables. See our Post Pasta Primavera Your Grandkids will Love. Also check out Jacque’s cookbook Fast Food My Way for other quick and simple recipes.
Summertime Pasta in 4 Simple Steps
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients – ripe tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, shallot, etc. – you can create a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that feels indulgent without weighing you down. And the best part? It all comes together in a matter of minutes. – Take a look at the four simple steps.
Step 1 – Mix the Vegetables
Start by dicing up the tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and shallot. The small, uniform pieces not only look beautiful, but they also allow the flavors to meld together seamlessly. Toss these veggies with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you’ve already got the makings of a delicious sauce.
Step 2 – Prepare the Pasta
About 20 minutes before serving time, bring salted water to a boil in a large saucepan or pot. Add the pasta, stir well, and return to a boil. Boil, uncovered, over high heat until cooked to your liking (slightly al dente for us).
Step 3 – Microwave Vegetables for 2 Minutes
While the pasta is cooking, put the bowl containing the vegetables in a microwave oven. Cook on high for 2 minutes, or until lukewarm. This helps to soften the tomatoes and zucchini, creating a perfectly balanced texture.
Step 4 – Drain the Pasta and Add to Vegetables
Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it to the warmed vegetable salad. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and basil and toss well. Divide among four warmed soup plates. Serve immediately.
Summertime Pasta – Summary
So, the next time the summer heat has you feeling uninspired in the kitchen, turn to Jacques Pépin’s Summertime Pasta. It’s a celebration of the season’s bounty and a testament to the power of simple, seasonal ingredients. What more could you ask for?
Happy Cooking!
Delicious Summer Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced (1-inch) ripe tomatoes (about 1 pound total)
- 1½ cups diced (½-inch) zucchini (1 zucchini; about 6 ounces)
- 1 cup diced (½-inch) white button mushrooms
- ½ cup diced shallot or red onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 ounces pasta shells
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups (loosely packed) coarsely shredded fresh basil
Instructions
- Mix the tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, shallots, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a large microwavable glass bowl.
- About 20 minutes before serving time, bring 2 quarts salted water to a boil in a large saucepan or pot. Add the pasta, stir well, and return to a boil. Boil, uncovered, over high heat until cooked to your liking (slightly al dente for us).
- Meanwhile, put the bowl containing the vegetables in a microwave oven and cook on high for 2 minutes, or until lukewarm.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it to the warmed vegetable salad. Sprinkle with the cheese and basil and toss well. Divide among four warmed soup plates. Serve immediately.
Discover more from Serendipity Farmhouse
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Very tasty!!! Good kitchen tip about basil.