Pasta with Zucchini (Pasta e Zucchine)
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4
This light and refreshing pasta dish is a perfect harmony of flavors, blending the mild sweetness of zucchini with the savory richness of olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s an easy-to-make yet satisfying meal that’s ideal for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Farfalle pasta | 320g |
| Zucchini | 650g |
| Fresh basil | to taste |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 20g |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~55g |
| Fats (Total) | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
| Sugars | ~5g |
Instructions
-
Boil the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Keep a small cup of pasta water aside for later use. -
Prepare the Zucchini
While the pasta cooks, rinse and dry the zucchini. Cut off the ends and grate them using a coarse grater, creating long, tender strips of zucchini. Set the grated zucchini aside for later. -
Cook the Garlic and Zucchini
In a large pan, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and heat it over low to medium heat. Add the garlic clove, peeled but left whole, allowing it to infuse the oil. As the oil heats up, you’ll notice the garlic releasing its fragrance. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.Once the oil is fragrant, add the grated zucchini to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften and release its natural juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
-
Combine the Pasta and Zucchini
When the pasta is done, use tongs to transfer it directly from the pot to the pan with the zucchini, allowing a little of the cooking water to follow. This will help bind the pasta and zucchini together. Toss everything together gently, adding more pasta water if necessary to create a light, silky sauce. Allow the flavors to combine for about a minute, then remove the pan from heat. -
Finishing Touches
Tear fresh basil leaves with your hands and sprinkle them over the pasta just before serving, adding a burst of freshness and a fragrant herbal note. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or basil if needed. -
Serve
Divide the pasta into four plates, ensuring that each serving is well-coated in the zucchini sauce. Serve immediately, and enjoy this deliciously simple, yet flavorful, dish!
Tips for Perfect Pasta e Zucchine
- Use a variety of zucchini such as yellow zucchini to add a pop of color to the dish.
- You can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano if you’re not strictly keeping it dairy-free.
- For a bit of extra richness, try incorporating a few spoonfuls of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta just before serving.
This dish is perfect as a light main course, served with a crisp white wine or a refreshing Italian sparkling water. Simple yet elegant, it’s a celebration of summer’s freshest produce!
