Creamy Zucchini & Dill Rigatoni

12/18/2023

Creamy Zucchini & Dill
Rigatoni

Prep Time: 15 Min
Cook Time: 25 Min

Yields: 4 Servings

WHAT YOU NEED

5 C Dry Rigatoni Pasta
1 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
2 Tbsp. EVOO
1 Tbsp. Pepperoncini in Oil (Sub 1 Tbsp. EVOO + 1/2 - 1 Tsp. Red Pepper Flakes)
2 Stems of Dill Including Fronds + 2 Tbsp. Fronds, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, crushed & minced
2 Shallots, diced
Handful Fresh Basil, Torn
3 C Green Zucchini, shredded and gently pressed of liquid. You want some for sauce!
1 C White Wine
2/3 C Whipping Cream, room temperature
1/2 C Grana Padano, finely shredded
Himalayan Salt & Cracked Pepper
G A R N I S H - Fresh Dill, Fresh Basil / Parsley, Pepper Flakes, Chili Oil

Bring a large pot of cold, heavily salted water to a boil on medium high heat. Leave covered until needed.
Begin heating the butter, pepperoncini, EVOO, garlic, dill stems, and some cracked pepper in a large skillet set to just below medium. Once heated, stir and let everything sizzle together for about a minute. Next, add the shallots and a good pinch of both salt & cracked pepper, stir, and continue to cook for 4ish minutes. Sprinkle in the basil, stir, and continue another 30 seconds - 1 minute.

Add the shredded zucchini and season liberally with salt and cracked pepper. Stir and cook until zucchini has cooked down, about 4 minutes. Pour in the wine and let that simmer until reduced by about half. In the meantime, add your rigatoni to the boiling water. Once your wine has reduced, pour in the cream and let your zucchini sauce come to a bit of a boil. Once boiled, pluck out the stems of dill, add 1 Tbsp. dill and season with salt. Reduce heat slightly and simmer until your rigatoni is al dente. Add pasta water to your skillet while the pasta cooks to keep the zucchini sauce simmering.
Once the rigatoni is cooked, strain it directly to the skillet. Toss and stir constantly to release starches and to coat the pasta entirely. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and add the grana padano and remaining dill. Add a ladle of pasta water and begin tossing until the cheese is melted and pasta is glossy and gorgeous.
Taste your pasta and season to taste with additional salt / pepper if needed.
Garnish your skillet with additional fresh dill, basil, and parsley if desired. Serve each portion with additional fresh dill and ENJOY!