Pasta con Salsa di Melone

Pasta con Salsa di Melone is a delightful Italian midnight dish that combines the sweetness of ripe melon with the savory notes of fresh herbs and cheese. This unique pasta dish is not only refreshing but also showcases the vibrant flavors of summer in every bite.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Ripe cantaloupe - 300 grams, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh basil leaves - 10 grams, chopped
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

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, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the diced cantaloupe to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring gently until the melon starts to soften.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the melon and toss to combine.
7. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
8. Stir in the chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
9. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A and C from the cantaloupe, which support eye health and boost the immune system.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.

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