Pasta with Zucchini Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the comforting essence of pasta with the freshness of zucchini, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly scrumptious; in just 20 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s bound to impress. Let’s delve into the details of this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 300g of penne pasta
- 4 zucchinis
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 300ml of milk
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
Nutritional Information:
Before we embark on our cooking journey, let’s take a moment to appreciate the nutritional profile of this dish. Each serving of Pasta with Zucchini Cream Sauce provides approximately 675.9 calories, with 36.4g of fat, 21.8g of saturated fat, 117.1mg of cholesterol, 381.4mg of sodium, 73.8g of carbohydrates, 11.1g of fiber, 4.9g of sugar, and 18.4g of protein. It’s worth noting that the fiber content in this dish contributes to its satiety factor, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Cooking Instructions:
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Prepare the Pasta: Begin by adding the penne pasta to a large pan of boiling water. Cook the pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, typically taking around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside momentarily.
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Prepare the Zucchini: While the pasta is bubbling away, let’s focus on the star ingredient: zucchini. Start by slicing the zucchinis in half lengthwise, then proceed to cut them diagonally into slices approximately 5mm thick. This preparation ensures that the zucchini cooks evenly and retains its delightful texture.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a separate large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to sizzle gently, add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatic ingredients until the onion turns soft and translucent, releasing their enticing flavors into the air.
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Add the Zucchini: Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the zucchini. Carefully add the sliced zucchini to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stirring occasionally, allow the zucchini to cook for approximately 1 minute, ensuring that it retains its vibrant green color and tender texture.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the zucchini has been gently sautéed, it’s time to elevate the dish with a creamy indulgence. Pour in the milk and cream, allowing them to meld together with the other ingredients in the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for around 1 minute, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop a rich flavor profile.
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Combine and Serve: As the sauce simmers, add the cooked penne pasta to the pan, along with the grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, ensuring that every mouthful is infused with the delectable flavors of the zucchini cream sauce.
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Garnish and Enjoy: With the pasta and sauce beautifully combined, it’s time to plate up this culinary masterpiece. Serve the Pasta with Zucchini Cream Sauce in generous portions, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
Conclusion:
In just 20 minutes, you’ve created a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palate. The combination of tender penne pasta, fresh zucchini, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible, making this dish perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with loved ones. So why wait? Dive into a bowl of Pasta with Zucchini Cream Sauce and let its flavors transport you to a realm of pure culinary bliss.
