Vibrant Tortellini with Summer Veggies

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup yellow summer squash, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 2-4 minutes for fresh pasta, until they are tender and have floated to the surface. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced zucchini and yellow squash, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften and get a few golden-brown spots.

3. 3

   Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. 4

   Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh corn kernels to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the tomatoes just begin to soften and release their juices.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and the optional butter. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, allowing the starchy water to emulsify and coat every piece of pasta and vegetable. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water until it reaches a glossy, saucy consistency.

6. 6

   Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle in the torn basil leaves and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss once more until the basil is just wilted and the cheese is melted into the sauce.

7. 7

   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately in warm bowls, with extra Parmesan on the side.