Pasta with Sweet Peppers, Tomatoes and Basil

To prepare a delicious and comforting dish, we start with a fresh, juicy zucchini, which will be the main ingredient of our recipe. The first step is to carefully peel the zucchini, removing the skin and any imperfections. Then, we cut the zucchini into large pieces, enough to maintain its texture when we cook them. Next is blanching, an essential step to intensify the flavor and prepare the zucchini for cooking. So, we bring water to a boil in a large pot, add salt, then add the zucchini pieces and blanch them for 3 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly without making them too mushy.

After removing them from the water, we cut the zucchinis into smaller pieces, about 1-2 cm, to integrate perfectly into our sauce. In a large skillet, we add a splash of olive oil, ideal for adding a hint of flavor. We place the cut zucchinis and sauté them for a few minutes until they turn slightly golden and release their natural juice. This will add depth of flavor to our dish.

Once the zucchinis are sautéed, we add 1/2 can of chopped tomatoes, which will form the delicious base of the sauce. Garlic, with its unmistakable aroma, is added in the form of 2 crushed cloves, which will infuse the sauce with flavor. We season with salt and pepper to taste, and if necessary, we add a little water to achieve the desired consistency of the sauce. We let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick.

Meanwhile, we boil the pasta according to the package instructions, choosing the preferred type, whether spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Once the pasta is ready, we add it directly to the skillet over the zucchini sauce, mixing well so that each piece of pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Finally, we add a generous handful of grated cheese, which will melt and add a special creaminess to the dish. Don't forget to sprinkle fresh chopped basil, which will provide a note of freshness and an irresistible aroma.

The final result is a simple yet extremely tasty dish, where the zucchinis contribute a crunchy texture and fresh taste, perfect for a light dinner or a comforting lunch. Enjoy every bite!