Careme

Instructions

Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.

1. 1.

   Prepare the vegetables and herbs:

   • 8 oz zucchini: trim and cut into 1/4-inch half-moons.
   • 8 oz Roma tomatoes: core and dice, keeping their juices.
   • 2 garlic cloves: peel and thinly slice.
   • 0.5 oz fresh basil: remove tough stems and tear the leaves.

   Keep each ingredient separate.

2. 2.

   Remove any casings from 8 oz Italian chicken sausage and break the meat into small pieces. Do not add salt; the sausage is already seasoned.

3. 3.

   Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, then 6 oz dry penne. Cook according to the package timing until just al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup pasta water. Cook the skillet components while the pasta cooks.

4. 4.

   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prepared sausage and sauté for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into bite-size crumbles, until browned and the largest pieces reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate, leaving the oil and drippings in the skillet.

5. 5.

   Add the prepared zucchini to the skillet and spread it out. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden in spots. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

6. 6.

   Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This modest vegetable seasoning accounts for the seasoned sausage and salted pasta water. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften into a chunky sauce.

7. 7.

   Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the drained penne and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until glossy, adding more reserved water 1 tablespoon at a time only if needed. Turn off the heat and fold in half the prepared basil.

8. 8.

   Divide between two shallow bowls and finish with the other half of the prepared basil, keeping some golden zucchini and sausage visible on top.

Want more detail? See the temperature guide.