Name: Creamy Zucchini Basil Tagliatelle
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g '00' flour; 2 large eggs; 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Creamy Zucchini Basil Tagliatelle

RusticMelon7775

This Creamy Zucchini Basil Tagliatelle celebrates late summer in Wisconsin with the best of the season’s zucchini and fragrant basil. Hand-rolled tagliatelle is tossed with sautéed zucchini and a lush Parmesan-basil emulsion, created by finishing the pasta in the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water—a classic Italian technique that ensures every strand is cloaked in flavor. The dish is vibrant yet comforting, with creamy ribbons of pasta, pops of green, and a fresh herbal aroma. It’s a perfect dinner for a cool, breezy night, and a beautiful showcase for simple, garden-fresh produce.

Ingredients

Instructions

On a clean surface, mound the '00' flour and make a well in the center. Crack eggs into the well and gradually incorporate flour with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Wrap in plastic and rest 30 minutes.
While dough rests, slice zucchini and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 minute. Add zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender and lightly golden, 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
Roll out pasta dough into thin sheets (about 1/16 inch), then cut into tagliatelle ribbons about 1/4 inch wide.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tagliatelle for 2-3 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta (do not rinse).
Add cooked tagliatelle and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to skillet with zucchini. Toss over medium heat to combine. Off the heat, add grated Parmesan and torn basil, tossing until creamy. Add more pasta water for silkier sauce if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.