2 POUNDS MEDIUM ZUCCHINI, TRIMMED, CUT INTO 1/4-INCH-THICK ROUNDS
1 SMALL SWEET VIDALIA ONION OR 4 SHALLOTS, THINLY SLICED
3 GARLIC CLOVES, THINLY SLICED
4 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL, DIVIDED
1 TEASPOON KOSHER SALT
1/2 TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER
8 OUNCES PENNE OR ZITI, DRY, PREFERABLY WHOLE GRAIN
1/4 CUP CHOPPED FRESH BASIL
1/4 GRATED PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE
FETA OR GOAT CHEESE, TO TASTE (OPTIONAL)
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS: SUN-DRIED TOMATOES, SLICED PLUM TOMATOES, FRESH CORN, BLACK OLIVES, MUSHROOMS, TOASTED PINE NUTS, PESTO, ROASTED RED PEPPER