Hearty Tomato Zucchini Pasta Food

ZUCCHINI "PASTA" WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• In saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat.
• Add tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, sugar, salt and pepper, cook, uncovered, for 7 to 10 minutes or until excess moisture has evaporated.
• Remove bay leaf.
• Meanwhile, slice unpeeled zucchini lengthwise into long wide strips about 1/8 inch thick.
• (Use a veggie slicer or I find a veggie peeler is best, in long single swipes.) In a large frypan, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil over high heat.
• Add half of the zucchini strips and half of the garlic, sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne, cook, stirring almost constantly for about 3 minutes or until zucchini is tender and golden, being careful not to break it.
• Remove to paper towel lined baking sheet and keep warm in low oven.
• Repeat with remaining oil, zucchini, garlic and cayenne.
• Arrange zucchini mixture on warmed serving platter.
• Pour sauce over and sprinkle with parmesan.
• Serve immediately.

HEARTY PASTA TOMATO SOUP - SLOW COOKER

Steps:

• In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker; add the next 13 ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
• Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain. Stir into slow cooker; cover and cook 30 minutes longer. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired. Yield: 14 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts).

ZUCCHINI, MUSHROOM, AND FRESH TOMATO SAUCE OVER PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a wide saucepan; add in onion; stir/saute 5 minutes.
• Stir in zucchini and mushrooms; saute over high heat, stirring, until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in garlic; saute 1 minute.
• Add in tomatoes; cook/stir 5 minutes.
• Add in salt, parsley, and basil.
• Toss hot pasta with the sauce; serve immediately; sprinkle grated parmesan on top.