Jammy Summer Squash Pasta with Basil and Anchovies

Jammy Summer Squash Pasta with Basil and Anchovies

It's that time of the year where the zucchini and summer squash overflow the farm. Our farmers market booth and CSA shares are jam packed with ALL OF THE SQUASH! It's a good problem to have in my opinion but I know sometimes folks get pretty tired of preparing zucchini/summer squash the same old way. So I thought today I would share this simple recipe for summer squash pasta. The squash itself is cooked down in a lot of butter and garlic until it reaches a soft, delicate and "jam like" consistency. You can almost spread this onto a slice of toast! It becomes so flavorful and the texture is absolutely divine. I couldn't resist the addition of anchovies to add a little zing, but if you are apposed to anchovies you can simply leave them out and add a touch more salt and parmesan. Anyhow, I'm really excited to share this recipe with you all. I was inspired to make this from my friend Ashley Marti of the blog Local Haven and now I am hooked! Happy cooking everyone!

Jammy Summer Squash Pasta with Basil & Anchovies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 5 anchovy fillets, drained and minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped basil + extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 5 large cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 pounds summer squash or zucchini (or a mix of both) quartered lengthwise and sliced
  • hefty pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • hefty pinch of salt and pepper
  • 12 ounces pasta
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or any hard salty cheese)

Preparation

  1. In a small bowl mix the anchovies, basil and olive oil.
  2. In a deep skillet, warm the butter and sauté the garlic over medium heat, until just beginning to soften. Add the squash, chili flakes and season with salt and pepper. Give the pan a good toss with tongs and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash has softened and become "jammy."
  3. While the squash cooks prepare your pasta in boiling water until al dente.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If it seems a bit dry, add 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid. Continue to toss the pasta and then add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, anchovies and basil.
  5. Divide the pasta between bowls and garnish with more basil and parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use this recipe as a guide and adjust measurements and ingredients as necessary.

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