Pennette With Zucchini, Ricotta Salata and Fresh Herbs

• Recipe by Joanne Weir

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2. 3 small zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
3. 1 garlic clove, minced
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 1/2 pound ricotta salata, crumbled (about 2 cups)
6. 1/4 cup finely chopped basil
7. 2 tablespoons snipped chives
8. 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
9. 2 teaspoons finely chopped oregano
10. 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
11. 1/2 pound pennette or other pasta 

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, deep skillet. Add the zucchini and garlic and cook over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Season the zucchini with salt and pepper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta salata with the basil, chives, mint, oregano and the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir in the tomatoes.
3. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 3 tablespoons of the cooking water. Add the pasta, zucchini and reserved cooking water to the ricotta and season with salt and pepper. Toss well and serve.