Zucchini & tomato ; Garlic-Basil Pesto-Gusto; Cauliflower & parsley ALL GREAT ADDITONS TO ANY COOKED PASTA

These recipes work with any 1 pound dried, cooked pasta..either wheat or gluten-free, cooked al dente

Zucchini & tomato:
3tbsp butter
3tbsp olive oil
1 cup minced red or sweet onion
6 cloves garlic smashed and minced
2 cups sliced zucchini
1/2 cup minced parsley
2tsp dried oregano
2tsp dried basil
1tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground paprika ( smoked if possible)
2tsp lemon juice
1 cup chopped tomato

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Melt butter and oil in a heavy skillet and saute the onion and garlic over medium heat for 5 mins do not brown.
 Add the zucchini and saute for further 8 mins, adding the herbs and spices until zucchini is almost tender.
Add lemon juice and tomatoes and cook for just 2 mins more then toss into al dente hot pasta and serve immediately..passing around the grated cheese and extra ground pepper.

Fresh Garlic-Basil Pesto-Gusto
2 cups fresh basil leaves washed and well drained*
1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin, olive oil
1/2 cup melted butter
8 cloves garlic smashed 

In a blender :
Place basil, 1 cup cheese, melted butter, garlic  and mince..drizzling with oil..Mix well turning machine on and off(pulsing) to form a thick smooth paste.
Scrape down well and serve, 1 cup mixed into hot cooked pasta.
Adding more grated cheese and salt & pepper to taste.
Serve extra pesto on the side

* alternative use fresh parsley in place of basil and substitute 1 cup walnut pieces for 1 cup cheese

Cauliflower and Garlic with pasta
2 cups cauliflower florets (1 large head)
6 cloves garlic smashed and minced
2tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup minced parsley
salt & pepper

Cook cauliflower in boiling salted water until it is also al dente, remove and rinse in cool water...set aside

Saute the garlic in hot oil &  butter for 1 min then add parsley, cook over low heat 2 mins then add to hot pasta and fold in the cauliflower.
Add grated cheese and mix well.
Serve with extra cheese on the side

Variations: You may also add 2 anchovy fillets minced well
replace the cauliflower with : cooked broccoli, cooked artichokes, cooked asparagus, or even green beans