Pasta with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Fresh Herbs

This is one of my all-time favorite pasta dishes. It tastes of summer to me: fresh, simple, unassuming. Since my herbs are growing like mad on my deck and zucchini and summer squash are coming into season, this seems like the right time to post the recipe. If you want to make this dish even more fabulous, use fresh pasta. It can be hard to find (I know Whole Foods always has some in stock), but it's worth seeking out.

Now, the pasta shape you choose to use will dictate how you prepare the vegetables for cooking. You can either use a long pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, or a short pasta, like fusilli or farfalle. If you are using a long pasta, thinly slice the zucchini and summer squash length-wise using a cheese planer or mandoline. If you are using a short pasta, thinly slice the zucchini and summer squash cross-wise using a very sharp knife or a mandoline.

A few words of caution: If you need very specific instructions in order to prepare a dish, this recipe is not for you. This "about/large handful/generous amount of" recipe is summer-y to me, too: no hard and fast rules, just relax, go with it, and enjoy.

Pasta with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Fresh Herbs
Serves 4

1-2 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
About 2 each zucchini and summer squash (depending on their size and whether or not you want leftovers), sliced thinly either length-wise or cross-wise
1/2 pound pasta
Large handful of fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, majoram, chervil, thyme, and/or chives, finely chopped
Generous amounts of sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving, optional

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and saute a few minute, stirring occasionally. Add zucchini and summer squash, stir a few times, and generously sprinkle with sea salt. Saute for about 20 minutes or until all of the vegetables are soft. Some browning is good, but be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Meanwhile, cook your pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain and toss with vegetables when they're done.

Chop up your fresh herbs and add to the pasta and vegetables. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper and serve with parmesan cheese on the side.