Sungold Tomato & Zucchini Pasta
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 4
Tomatoes are the best dietary source for lycopenes. This constituent is famous for helping to prevent heart disease and prostate cancer in men. Tomatoes also provide 33% of your minimum daily requirement of Vitamin C. They are a symbol for the sun and good health.
This beautiful but simple pasta dish is a distant cousin to Spaghetti alla Nerano, but with punchy flavor from sungold tomatoes, gentle acid from white wine and a touch of cream to accent the the melty zucchini. The dish comes together in minutes, can easily be made plant-based and is one of the most comforting summer pasta recipes to whip up for an easy dinner.
Tomatoes/Xi Hong Shi are rich in the constituent lycopene, which is an antioxidant famous for reducing heart disease, bone health and cancer. Lycopene is also a red pigment, giving tomatoes their typically bright red color. It is mostly located in tomato skin. However, your body is better able to absorb lycopene from some orange and red-orange tomatoes. The body’s absorption of lycopene is increased up to 4x by eating lycopene with fats. A deficiency in lycopenes can lead to an increased chance of osteoporosis, especially in women.
The constituent naringenin, also found in tomato skin, is known for decreasing inflammation and boosting immunity.
Current research confirms eating tomatoes improves heart health. The antioxidants in tomatoes helps protect the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of lipid peroxidation in the bloodstream. This is the process in which the fats being carried in the blood or that are lining the membranes of cells in the blood stream become damaged by oxygen. Chronic peroxidation compromises the immune system and can lead to atheroscleorsis and other heart and circulatory problems. Tomatoes also help regulate fats in the blood, decreasing LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Finally, the numerous phytonutrients in tomatoes help prevent platelet clotting in the blood, further improving blood circulation and flow.
Tomatoes have also been confirmed as able to help prevent prostate cancer in men. In China, one whole tomato is eaten daily to help treat kidney disease. In the ancient Chinese dietary text, called the Lu Chun Ben Cao, tomatoes are considered beneficial for the whole body, especially for cooling Liver Heat and removing toxins.
INGREDIENTS
2 medium zucchini or summer squash
1 pint sungold tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
3 garlic cloves
Extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt
8 ounces pasta shape of choice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 cup dry, unoaked white wine
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
2 ounces parmesan cheese optional, for topping
Freshly ground black pepper optional, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
Halve and slice the zucchini into half-moon pieces, as thin as possible. Halve the sungold tomatoes and thinly slice the garlic.
Place a large pot of water on one burner and a high-sided sauté pan on a burner next to it. Bring the large pot of water to a boil. Set the pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Add the zucchini and sungold tomatoes to the pan and season with a few generous pinches of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-9 minutes or until the tomatoes are burst and the zucchini is melty.
Generously salt the boiling water and add in the pasta. Boil for 6-7 minutes or until al dente.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan with the zucchini and cook another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the wine and stir, letting the wine simmer and reduce for another 3-4 minutes. Taste and season with salt as preferred.
Tear the fresh basil into the pan and give a few stirs.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked pasta into the pan, add a splash of the cream or coconut milk and a splash of salted pasta water. Stir to combine, alternating adding more pours of cream and pasta water until you get your desired level of creaminess.
Portion into four bowls and top with parmesan cheese and black pepper, if preferred.
photo and recipe credits to Justine Snacks
