Shrimp & Basil Fettuccine

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. Thinly slice the scallions, separating the white bottoms and hollow green tops. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Place in a bowl; add the sliced white bottoms of the scallions. Using your hands, carefully separate the strands of the pasta. Place the tomatoes in a bowl; gently break apart with your hands. 

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced zucchini in an even layer; season with salt and pepper. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Transfer to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan. 

In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the prepared garlic and white bottoms of the scallions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the capers 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 slightly softened. Add the crushed tomatoes (carefully, as the liquid may splatter); season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat.

Meanwhile, add the pasta 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 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and return to the pot. 

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels (if desired, remove the tails); season with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan of sauce. Cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Turn off the heat.

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked shrimp and sauce, cooked zucchini, 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 crème fraîche. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the sliced green tops of the scallions and cheese. Enjoy!