published 7/23/2020
This Perfectly Imperfect recipe was inspired from a dish served at an Italian restaurant in New York City. Even though it has simple ingredients, there is big, big flavor and a good amount of heat. I used all plant-based ingredients for extra nutrition, but use pork Chorizo and real butter instead for the true recipe’s taste!!
PREP TIME: < 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 20-25 minutes
SERVINGS: 4-6 (4 if your family eats pasta like we do)
ingredients
- 1 lb Cellentani/Cavatappi Pasta*
- 1 lb Plant-based Chorizo
- 1-2 Zucchinis (chopped)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 TBSP Avocado Oil (or equivalent high heat Oil)
- 12 oz (1 package) Shishito Peppers (stems removed)
- 1/4 cup – 1/2 cup Plant-based Butter**
- 1 cup Pecorino or Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
*I love this twisted pasta! But any sturdy, short pasta will be fine to use instead (Penne, Orechiette, Farfalle, Rigatoni, Campanelle, etc.)
**I used a whole stick of Butter, however I think 1/4 cup would be enough if you want to skip the extra calories.
instructions
- Cook Pasta 1 minute under the time on the package. Drain but reserve 1 cup of the salted Pasta Water.
- Heat a large pan over medium high heat. Add Chorizo and saute about 5 minutes or until completely browned. Add Zucchini, Garlic, and Salt and Pepper. Cook another 5 minutes. Remove everything to a plate.
- Add Oil to the same pan. Saute the Shishito Peppers until blistered (about 5 minutes.) Season with Salt and Pepper. Turn off the heat and cover to wilt the Peppers for 1-2 minutes. Remove them to a cutting board and roughly chop. (I like to cook them whole in order to get the best flavor by charring the entire skin.)
- Add the Chorizo mixture and Peppers back to the pan. Add Pasta, Butter, and about 1/4 cup of the Pasta Water. Stir until the Butter is melted the Pasta thickens the sauce a bit (2-3 minutes.) Mix in the Pecorino and season with more Salt and Pepper to taste.
- Serve with more grated, or shaved Pecorino. ENJOY!!
Did you try this recipe? Please share any comments or suggestions below!!
