Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat until you see rolling bubbles breaking the surface, about 8 minutes.

Step 2

While the water heats, place the zucchini on a cutting board and slice it crosswise into thin half-moons about the thickness of a coin.

Step 3

Slice the bell pepper lengthwise from top to bottom, remove and discard the white core and seeds, then slice the pepper into thin strips about the width of a pencil.

Step 4

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them in a small bowl; mince the garlic until the pieces are smaller than a grain of rice (pencil-tip size).

Step 5

Stack the fresh basil leaves on top of each other, then roll them tightly into a thin log and slice crosswise into thin ribbons; set aside in a small bowl.

Step 6

Add the whole wheat pasta to the boiling water, stir once with a wooden spoon, and cook according to the package directions until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm when bitten (usually 9–11 minutes).

Step 7

While the pasta cooks, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.

Step 8

Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir constantly for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and light golden, so the flavors develop without burning.

Step 9

Add the zucchini slices and bell pepper strips to the skillet and stir every 30 seconds for 3 minutes until the vegetables are just beginning to soften but still have a slight bite.

Step 10

Add the cherry tomato halves to the skillet and stir gently for 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.

Step 11

When the pasta is done, scoop out 0.5 cup of the cooking water with a measuring cup before draining the pasta in a colander (saving this water helps the sauce cling to the noodles).

Step 12

Pour the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the vegetables and add 0.25 cup of the reserved pasta water; toss everything together with two wooden spoons or tongs for 1 minute until well mixed.

Step 13

Taste a bite of pasta and add salt and pepper until it tastes good to you, stirring to mix.

Step 14

Divide the pasta between two bowls or plates, using a large spoon or pasta server.

Step 15

Scatter the fresh basil ribbons over the top of each bowl in a small pile, then drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over each serving if desired.