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Zucchini and Zucchini Flower Pasta with Lemon Zest
Zucchini and zucchini flower pasta is a true celebration of spring, full of fresh flavors and vibrant colors.This easy Italian recipe comes together in just a few minutes, yet the result is surprisingly elegant. Tender zucchini and their delicate flowers, also known as zucchini blossoms, create a light and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
Ingredients
- 350 g spaghetti - 12 oz
- 6-8 small zucchini
- 10-12 zucchini flowers - (zucchini blossoms)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 60 g grated Parmigiano Reggiano - ½ cup
- salt - to taste
- 1 lemon zest - for serving
Instructions
- Wash the zucchini and, if the flowers are still attached, gently separate them. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds. If they are very small and tender, you can cut them into slightly thicker pieces, as they will cook quickly without falling apart.
- Clean the zucchini flowers by removing the base and stem, which will also take away the inner pistil. Rinse them briefly in a bowl of water, then let them drain on a clean cloth.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Meanwhile, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet with a peeled garlic clove, then add the zucchini.
- Cook the zucchini over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until tender and lightly golden but still holding their shape. Add a ladle of starchy pasta water to keep them soft and flavorful.
- Transfer the spaghetti directly to the skillet with the zucchini. Remove the garlic.
- Add a little more pasta cooking water and the grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Toss everything over low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly, until the pasta becomes creamy.
- Add the zucchini flowers, stir gently, and turn off the heat immediately. The residual heat will soften them without overcooking.
- Finish with a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil, more grated Parmigiano, and freshly grated lemon zest. Toss well and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 100gCalories: 535kcalCarbohydrates: 78gProtein: 21gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 1017mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 711IUVitamin C: 67mgCalcium: 251mgIron: 3mg
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