Pasta with Zucchini and Ham
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mezze Maniche Rigate | 350g |
| Zucchini | 600g |
| Onion | ½ |
| Cooked Ham | 120g |
| Vegetable Broth | 600ml |
| Smoked Scamorza Cheese | 100g |
| Grana Padano Cheese (DOP) | 30g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Zucchini: Begin by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Once cleaned, trim off the ends and slice them into small pieces or rounds, depending on your preference.
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Chop the Onion: Finely chop the onion to allow it to melt into the sauce and infuse the dish with a soft, sweet flavor.
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Cut the Ham: Take the cooked ham and cut it into small cubes or strips, depending on the texture you’d like to achieve.
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Heat the Broth: In a separate pot, heat the vegetable broth over low heat. This will be used later to help cook the zucchini and pasta.
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Sauté the Onion: In a large, high-edged skillet or pan, pour in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until the onion is softened and translucent.
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Cook the Ham: Once the onion has softened, add the cubes of cooked ham to the pan. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to crisp up slightly and gain a nice golden color.
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Add the Zucchini: Once the ham is lightly browned, add the chopped zucchini to the pan. Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients.
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Cook the Zucchini: As the zucchini begins to release its moisture, continue cooking for a few minutes. When the zucchini starts to dry out, add a ladleful of the warm vegetable broth to the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 more minutes, until the zucchini is tender and fully cooked through.
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Prepare the Pasta: While the zucchini is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Mezze Maniche Rigate and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water.
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Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the zucchini and ham mixture, tossing everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamier consistency.
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Add the Cheeses: Once the pasta is well combined with the zucchini mixture, add the smoked scamorza cheese, cut into cubes. Stir it through until the cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta evenly.
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Finish with Grana Padano: Finally, grate the Grana Padano cheese on top, giving the dish a rich, savory finish. Season with salt to taste.
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Serve: Serve the Pasta with Zucchini and Ham warm, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Grana Padano if desired. Enjoy this delicious, comforting dish that blends the smoky flavor of scamorza and the freshness of zucchini.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~650mg
This Pasta with Zucchini and Ham is a delightful and balanced dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal with friends and family. The combination of zucchini, ham, and two types of cheese creates a dish that’s both savory and creamy, with just the right amount of depth.
