Penne with Zucchini and Mint

This is one of my favourite zucchini recipes while mint and squash are still abundant in the garden. Basil and zucchini are such a natural pairing, but the mint is light and refreshing, a nice change of flavour, and another great partner to the squash.

Penne with Zucchini and Mint

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 medium zucchini, halved then sliced at an angle (similar in shape to the penne)
  
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 bunch fresh mint, leaves picked and chopped
  
• parmasean cheese, grated

Add the pasta to a large pot of salted boiling water and cook till just tender.

Meanwhile, saute the zucchini in two tablespoons of the olive oil, add the crushed pepper and cook until tender. When pasta is done, drain and place in a serving bowl. Top with the zucchini, sprinkle over the mint and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Toss and serve with grated parmasean cheese if desired.

4 to 6 servings