Roasted Zucchini Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Zucchini

   4 min hands-on

   • Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
   • Wash the zucchini and pierce them with a fork.
   • Place zucchini on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.

2. Roast Garlic

   2 min hands-on

   • Slice the top off a garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil.
   • Place on the tray with the zucchini.

3. Bake Ingredients

   35 min waiting

   • Roast zucchini and garlic in the oven for 35–55 minutes.
   • Ensure zucchini is soft and garlic is golden.

4. Toast Hazelnuts

   3 min hands-on

   • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
   • Toast hazelnuts for 3–5 minutes until golden.
   • Roughly chop and set aside.

5. Cook Pasta

   4 min hands-on9 min waiting

   • Bring salted water to a boil.
   • Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
   • Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

6. Make Zucchini Sauce

   5 min hands-on

   • Cut roasted zucchini in half and scoop flesh into a bowl.
   • Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the bowl.
   • Add olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
   • Mash into a creamy sauce and stir in torn zucchini skins.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   4 min hands-on

   • Place pasta over low heat.
   • Pour zucchini sauce over pasta and toss to coat.
   • Stir in cream cheese until melted.
   • Add lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine.

8. Adjust and Finish

   1 min hands-on1 min waiting

   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
   • Heat gently for 1–2 minutes.

9. Plate and Garnish

   2 min hands-on

   • Divide pasta into bowls.
   • Top with lemon zest, toasted hazelnuts, and black pepper.
   • Serve immediately.
   • Cooking tips:
   • For a creamier sauce, use a blender to puree the zucchini and garlic mixture.
   • Add smoked paprika or red chili flakes for a subtle kick.
   • Loosen thick sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a vibrant presentation.