Fresh Basil Fettuccine

Remove the pasta from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature, then carefully separate the strands. 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. Halve the zucchini lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. 

In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced zucchini in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the chopped garlic and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until combined. Add the tomatoes (carefully, as the liquid may splatter) and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally and gently crushing the tomatoes with the back of a spoon, 5 to 7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

Meanwhile, add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until al dente. Turn off the heat. Reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly.

To the pan of sauce, add the cooked pasta, 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 and stir in the goat cheese until combined. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the romano. Enjoy!