Pasta with Swordfish and Zucchini Recipe
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
This Pasta with Swordfish and Zucchini is a delightful and light dish perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of tender swordfish with fresh zucchini and the zesty touch of lemon and thyme will surely impress your taste buds. This recipe is simple, yet bursting with flavor, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fusilli pasta | 320g |
| Swordfish fillet | 350g |
| Zucchini | 400g |
| White wine | 40g |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Green pepper (fresh or crushed) | To taste |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Fresh thyme | 1 sprig |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fats (Total) | 15g |
| Saturated Fats | 2g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Sugars | 5g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the ingredients:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water once it starts boiling. While waiting for the water to boil, wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Grate them into thin julienne strips using a coarse grater. Next, take the swordfish fillet and remove any skin along the sides. Cut the fish into small cubes of about 1 cm each. -
Cook the pasta:
Once the water is boiling, add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the rest. Set aside. -
Sauté the swordfish and zucchini:
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the whole garlic clove and sauté for a minute to release its aroma. Be sure not to brown the garlic. Add the cubed swordfish to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The swordfish should turn a light golden color but remain tender on the inside. -
Deglaze and add zucchini:
Once the swordfish has seared, pour in the white wine, allowing it to evaporate for a few moments. This will deglaze the pan and infuse the fish with a lovely depth of flavor. Next, add the julienned zucchini to the pan, stirring gently to combine with the swordfish. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly but still retain some bite. -
Combine the pasta and sauce:
Once the zucchini has cooked, remove the whole garlic clove from the pan using tongs. Add the cooked fusilli directly into the skillet with the swordfish and zucchini mixture. Toss the pasta and the sauce together, adding a bit of reserved pasta cooking water to help create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly. -
Season and serve:
Season the dish with fine salt, freshly cracked green pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy lift. Add a few leaves of fresh thyme for a fragrant herby finish. Give everything a final toss, and your Pasta with Swordfish and Zucchini is ready to serve.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately, garnished with a few extra sprigs of thyme if desired. The combination of the tender swordfish, crisp zucchini, and the bright notes of lemon and thyme creates a wonderful symphony of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Tips for Perfect Pasta with Swordfish and Zucchini:
- Swordfish alternatives: If you can’t find swordfish, you can easily substitute it with other firm white fish like tuna or halibut. Just be sure to cut the fish into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Zucchini texture: If you prefer your zucchini to be softer, you can cook it a bit longer. However, be mindful not to overcook it to avoid mushiness.
- Wine substitution: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.
Enjoy this deliciously simple, yet elegant, pasta dish with a glass of white wine, and savor the fresh flavors of summer in every bite. Whether for a family meal or a dinner party, this Pasta with Swordfish and Zucchini is sure to be a hit!
