Creamy Yellow Zucchini Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto and Caciocavallo

Pasta with Yellow Zucchini Cream and Prosciutto
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta Cooking Water
   Begin by filling a large pot with water, adding salt, and bringing it to a boil. This will be used for cooking the pasta.

2. Slice the Prosciutto and Vegetables
   While the water heats up, cut the prosciutto crudo into thin strips.
   Wash the yellow zucchinis, trim the ends, and cut them in half lengthwise.
   Peel and slice the shallot thinly.

3. Cook the Prosciutto and Zucchini
   In a pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the sliced shallot and sauté until softened.
   Add the prosciutto strips to the pan and let them cook for about 6 minutes until crispy. Once crisped, transfer the prosciutto to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.

4. Cook the Zucchini
   Add the halved zucchini to the pan, seasoning with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, occasionally adding a splash of pasta cooking water to help soften the zucchini.

5. Prepare the Zucchini Cream
   Once the zucchini is tender, use an immersion blender to purée it until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.

6. Cook the Pasta
   By now, your pasta water should be boiling. Add the whole grain spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes.

7. Combine Pasta and Zucchini Cream
   When the pasta is nearly done (about 5 minutes before it’s fully cooked), drain it and add it directly into the zucchini cream sauce. Stir to coat the pasta well, and add a ladle of pasta cooking water to ensure the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta evenly. Continue to cook together for a few more minutes, letting the flavors meld.

8. Finish the Dish
   Once the pasta is cooked and well combined with the zucchini cream, fold in the crispy prosciutto strips. Top with freshly grated caciocavallo cheese for a delicious, creamy finish.

9. Serve
   Plate the pasta and serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of additional thyme or black pepper if desired.

This creamy, comforting pasta dish with the delicate flavors of yellow zucchini and the savory notes of prosciutto crudo is perfect for a light, satisfying meal. The richness of the zucchini cream is complemented by the crunch of the prosciutto and the tangy caciocavallo, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Enjoy this simple yet delightful recipe that brings the flavors of fresh vegetables and cured meats together in a beautiful dish.