ZITI w/ROASTED ZUCCHINI

By BobD

Ingredients

• 2 pounds medium zucchini, trimmed, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
• 12 garlic cloves, peeled, halved
• 8 large shallots, halved, thinly sliced
• 7 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 2 1-pound boxes ziti, cooked, drained, 3/4 cup cooking liquid reserved
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil, divided
• 3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from epicurious.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400F. Toss zucchini, garlic, shallots, 5 tablespoons oil, and crushed red pepper in bowl. Spread on 2 large rimmed baking sheets; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables until tender, turning occasionally, 30 to 35 minutes.

Toss cooked pasta in large bowl with 1 tablespoon oil. Transfer half of pasta (8 cups) to another bowl; cool, stirring occasionally. Cover; chill (reserve for mac and cheese).

Place remaining pasta in large pot. Add roasted vegetables, 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid, and 1 tablespoon oil; stir over medium heat until heated through. Add 3/4 cup basil and cheese. Toss, adding reserved cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls to moisten if dry. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to large platter. Sprinkle pasta with remaining 1/4 cup basil.