Pasta con Fiori di Zucca

Pasta con Fiori di Zucca is a delightful Italian dish that showcases the delicate flavors of zucchini flowers paired with fresh pasta. This vibrant vegetarian meal is perfect for a light dinner and highlights the beauty of seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) - 160 grams
• Zucchini flowers (fiori di zucca) - 8 pieces
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 30 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 10 grams
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes until they soften.
5. Gently rinse the zucchini flowers, remove the stems, and carefully open them to remove any pollen, then add them to the skillet.
6. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the zucchini flowers to wilt.
7. Once the pasta is ready, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables, mixing well. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of reserved pasta water.
9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and toss in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil just before serving.
10. Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A and C from zucchini flowers and tomatoes.
• High in fiber, promoting healthy digestion.

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