Zucchini Ribbon Pasta

This simple side dish is an easy replacement to any pasta.  It has a wonderful flavor and texture and a kick with the red pepper flakes.  It only involves a little bit of prep time, but these noodles cook up in just minutes!  Eating gluten and grain free has never been easier :)

So be sure to take full advantage of the abundance of fresh zucchini!  This is also a wonderful way to get your kids in the kitchen.  They will have a blast making their own “pasta”.  My kids always seem more excited about eating a meal that they helped prepare.

Zucchini Ribbon Pasta

• 3 large zucchinis
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

1. First you need to wash your zucchini.  Trim the top and bottom off.  Then with a vegetable peeler, make long ribbons.  I go from the outside in, trying to get a little bit of green in each peel.  You will be left with a little bit of the center,  I like to chop that up and saute for a little pre-dinner snack for the kids.  Or even better, throw it into whatever dish you have cooking.  Don’t waste any bit of the zucchini.
2. Heat a large saucepan, add about 2 tablespoons olive oil.  Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes.  Once fragrant, add in your zucchini ribbons.
3. Saute until slightly tender about 3-5 minutes.  I like to keep mine, shall we say “al dente”?  Basically, you don’t want a big bowl of mush.
4. Season with salt and pepper.  Serve warm.

*yields 5-6 servings