Pasta con Salsa di Fiori di Zucca

Pasta con Salsa di Fiori di Zucca is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the delicate taste of zucchini flowers, paired with al dente pasta and a light, creamy sauce. This healthy Italian main dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for a comforting yet nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 160 grams
• Zucchini flowers - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Heavy cream - 100 milliliters
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh basil leaves - for garnish

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, rinse the zucchini flowers gently and remove the stamens from inside each flower.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add the zucchini flowers to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently until they wilt.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
8. Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired creaminess.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 35 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Zucchini flowers are low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, promoting healthy skin and vision.
• Olive oil is a source of healthy fats and antioxidants, beneficial for heart health.

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