Creamy Tomato Fettuccine

Remove the pasta from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature. Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel and finely chop 2 cloves of garlic. Thinly slice the mushrooms. Quarter the zucchini lengthwise; cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Peel and thinly slice the shallot.

In a large pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the breadcrumbs, half the chopped garlic, and half the thyme sprigs; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned and toasted. Transfer to a plate and immediately season with salt. Carefully remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Wipe out the pan.

In the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sausage; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring  frequently and breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 7 to 9 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a bowl.

In the pan of reserved fond, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on  medium-high until hot. Add the sliced mushrooms in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the zucchini pieces, sliced shallot, remaining chopped garlic, and remaining thyme sprigs; season with salt and pepper  (if the pan seems dry, add a drizzle of olive oil). Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Carefully remove and discard the thyme sprigs.

Add the tomato paste; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until thoroughly combined. Add 3/4 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter) and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Cook, stirring frequently, 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened and the vegetables are softened. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

Meanwhile, using your hands, carefully separate the strands of the pasta and add to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked sausage, cooked vegetables and sauce, butter, and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Turn off the heat. Stir in the goat cheese until combined. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the garlic-thyme breadcrumbs and parmesan. Enjoy!