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Bow Ties with Zucchini and Hot Chili Pepper Pesto

Bow Ties with Zucchini and Hot Chili Pepper Pesto

Ingredients

  • 4 large jalapeño chili peppers, ribs and seeds removed

  • 1 cup (packed) flat leaf parsley

  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 1/4 cup mint leaves

  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds

  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock

  • 1 lemon or lime, zested and juiced

  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled

  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano (a couple of fat handfuls)

  • Salt and pepper

  • 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced into half moons

  • 1 pound farfalle (bowtie pasta)

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

In a food processor, make the pesto by pulsing the jalapeños, 1 parsley, 1/4 cup EVOO, the mint, pine nuts, stock, zest, juice and garlic until a coarse puree forms. Transfer to a serving bowl, stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium to medium-high. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring often, until tender and lightly browned, 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, salt the water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Stir the pasta cooking water into the pesto. Add the pasta and zucchini to the pesto; toss and season. Divide among bowls.