This vibrant and seasonal pasta dish is a delightful combination of warm courgettes and a fresh tomato salsa, offering a perfect meal choice for hot summer days. Drawing inspiration from traditional Italian cuisine, the recipe treats pasta similarly to a salad, lightly tossing it with vegetables, herbs, and a generous splash of olive oil.
The dish masterfully balances two contrasting elements: tender courgettes and spring onions cooked in olive oil and a room-temperature salsa made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Allowing the tomatoes to rest for at least 20 minutes is key to releasing their juices and enhancing their flavor.
A variety of tomatoes, including cherry tomatoes and firmer types, contribute both sweetness and texture to the mix. Smaller courgettes are preferred for their subtle flavor, while fresh basil adds a fragrant finish. The recipe is versatile, accommodating both long and short pasta shapes such as linguine, spaghetti, farfalle, and radiatori, all of which soak up the rich dressing beautifully. Incorporating a bit of starchy pasta water while cooking the vegetables helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
To prepare this dish, start by boiling a large pan of salted water and cooking 450g of your chosen pasta according to package instructions. In a separate bowl, blend 400g of diced ripe tomatoes with three tablespoons of olive oil, a handful of torn basil leaves, a pinch of dried oregano, half a finely chopped garlic clove, and salt to taste, then let the mixture rest.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the finely sliced spring onions until soft. Add the grated or thinly sliced courgettes, cooking for about five minutes and adding a little pasta water to soften them without browning. Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the pan, tossing well to coat it with the courgette mixture. Mix in the tomato salsa thoroughly, garnish with extra basil, and serve immediately. This refreshing pasta captures the essence of summer and pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.