-
1
Make the sauce: in a big pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat; add in garlic and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes.
-
2
Add in the tomatoes and use a fork or potato masher to break them up as they cook.
-
3
Stir in the basil and thyme; season with sugar, salt, and pepper.
-
4
Increase heat and bring to a boil; decrease heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes; taste and adjust seasonings.
-
5
Transfer mixture to the bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade or use an immersion blender and puree until smooth.
-
6
During the pureeing, add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a thin stream; set sauce aside, covered, to keep warm.
-
7
Make the vegetables: preheat oven to 400; set a large saute pan over high heat; when the pan is hot, add about 1 tablespoon oil.
-
8
Saute the zucchini and yellow squash for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened; transfer to a shallow baking dish.
-
9
Saute the peppers in the same pan for about 3 minutes, until slightly softened, adding more oil as needed, and then transfer them to the baking dish.
-
10
Add the eggplant and onion to the pan; saute for 8-10 minutes, until they begin to soften (add more oil if needed); transfer to the baking dish.
-
11
Cook the tomatoes for 3-4 minutes, until just warmed, and then transfer to the baking dish.
-
12
Add the garlic and thyme to the vegetables and season with salt and pepper; bake the vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors just meld.
-
13
Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and set aside to keep warm.
-
14
The rest: in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, until al dente; drain.
-
15
Toss the pasta with the warm vegetables and sauce (mix the vegetables with the sauce and warm them, if needed, before adding them).
-
16
Spoon the pasta onto a warmed serving platter and garnish with the basil leaves, olives, and cheese; serve immediately.