A hug of sun on a plate: Creamy pasta with trombetta zucchini, ricotta, and a crunchy touch.
Summer, with its vibrant colors and intense aromas, inspires fresh and light creations in the kitchen. And what’s better than a pasta dish that encapsulates all the taste of this season? Our proposal is a delicate and enveloping first course, perfect for warm evenings: the creamy pasta with trombetta zucchini and ricotta, enriched by the crunchiness of toasted walnuts and sesame seeds. The trombetta zucchini, with its peculiar shape and delicate flavor, are the undisputed stars of this dish. Their sweetness perfectly matches the creaminess of the ricotta and the savoriness of the parmesan, creating an irresistible taste combination.
The pasta, cooked al dente, absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, while the crunchiness of the walnuts and sesame seeds adds an unexpected and delicious texture, creating a perfect balance between soft and crunchy.
This recipe is perfect for those who love simple and genuine flavors, but don’t want to give up on an elegant and refined dish. It is ideal for a family lunch or dinner with friends, and it lends itself to numerous variations, to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
Why choose this recipe?
Simple and easily available ingredients: All ingredients are in season and can be found easily in any supermarket.
Quick and easy preparation:
Even those who are not experts in the kitchen can prepare this dish without difficulty.
Versatile dish: You can use different types of pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or mezze maniche.
You can also add other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Perfect for summer:
Thanks to its fresh and light ingredients, this pasta is ideal for hot days.
An explosion of flavors: The combination of delicate and crunchy flavors will make this dish unforgettable.
Discover our recipe and let yourself be conquered by the intense and enveloping taste of this summer first course!
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Boiling, Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer and Fall, All Seasons
- Energy 345.24 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 34.05 (g) of which sugars 4.30 (g)
- Proteins 16.45 (g)
- Fat 16.08 (g) of which saturated 7.42 (g)of which unsaturated 4.87 (g)
- Fibers 3.05 (g)
- Sodium 705.44 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 312 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 11 oz short pasta
- 7 oz trombetta zucchini
- 9 oz sheep ricotta
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- A few leaves mint (Fresh)
- 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch black pepper
- to taste salt
- 2 oz Grana Padano DOP (Optional)
- 1 oz walnuts (Toasted)
- 0.7 oz sesame seeds
Tools
- 1 Pot Renberg
- 1 Pan Moneta
Steps
Prepare the Aromatic Ricotta: Start by preparing the ricotta: place it in a glass bowl and add a few chopped fresh mint leaves. Mix everything with a fork, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least half an hour. This simple step will give your ricotta a fresh and fragrant touch.
A Crunchy Touch:
For an extra touch, lightly toast the walnuts and mixed sesame seeds (white and black) in a non-stick pan. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until they are golden and release an intense aroma. Their crunchiness will perfectly contrast with the creaminess of the ricotta and zucchini. While they cool down, bring plenty of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Finely chop a garlic clove and an onion. Slice the trombetta zucchini into rounds. Don’t worry about thickness, part of the mixture will be blended.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a pan with extra virgin olive oil, sauté the garlic and onion until golden. Add the zucchini and cook until soft. Set aside some zucchini for the sauce and blend once they have cooled and put the cream back in the pan. Cook for a few more minutes to bring all ingredients to the same temperature.
Final Mantecation:
Once the pasta is al dente, pour it into the pan with the zucchini. Incorporate the marinated ricotta, previously prepared, and the walnuts with toasted sesame seeds. Stir off the heat, adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors.
If the mixture is too dry, add some pasta cooking water to achieve a creamy consistency.
Enjoy Your Dish:
The creamy pasta is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm, hot, or cold, according to your preference. A drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and a grind of fresh black pepper will enhance the flavors.
If you wish, you can add a sprinkle of grated cheese and decorate with a few chili threads for a touch of color.
Tips for Preparing Creamy Pasta with Trombetta Zucchini and Ricotta:
Zucchini: Choose fresh and firm zucchini, with shiny skin. You can use both green and yellow zucchini, or a combination of both.
Ricotta: Use fresh and creamy ricotta, preferably sheep or cow. If the ricotta is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream to make it creamier.
Walnuts: Toast the walnuts in a pan without oil, until golden and intensely aromatic. This step will enhance their flavor and make the pasta even more delicious.
Mantecation: Stir the pasta off the heat, adding a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors. If the mixture is too dry, add some pasta cooking water to achieve the desired creaminess.
Personalizations: You can customize your pasta by adding other ingredients to taste, such as sun-dried tomatoes, Taggiasca olives, fresh mint, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Personalizations: You can customize your pasta by adding other ingredients to taste, such as sun-dried tomatoes, Taggiasca olives, fresh mint, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Storage:
Refrigerator: The creamy pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Before consuming, heat lightly in a pan with a drizzle of oil
.Freezer: You can freeze the cooked pasta without sauce, in individual portions.
Defrost it in the refrigerator the night before consuming and reheat in a pan with a drizzle of oil.
Wines to Pair with Creamy Pasta with Trombetta Zucchini and Ricotta:
The wine-food pairing is essential to enhance the flavors of a dish.
Here are some wine suggestions that go perfectly with your creamy pasta:
White Wines:
Vermentino di Sardegna: Fresh, mineral, with a light citrus note, perfectly balances the creaminess of the pasta and the sweetness of zucchini.
Pinot Grigio: A classic pairing with fish and vegetable-based dishes. Its acidity and freshness cleanse the palate and pair well with ricotta.
Sauvignon Blanc: If you love more aromatic wines, Sauvignon Blanc with its herbal and fruity notes enhances the freshness of the zucchini.
Rosé Wines:
Rosato di Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo: An elegant and structured wine, perfect for a more significant pairing. Its light tannins balance the creaminess of the pasta.
Bardolino Chiaretto: Fresh and fruity, with notes of cherry and small red fruits. An excellent option for a lighter and more informal pairing.
Why these wines?
Freshness: The creamy pasta is a fresh and light dish, so it’s important to choose a wine that is not too structured or tannic.
Acidity: The acidity of the wine helps balance the creaminess of the pasta and cleanse the palate.
Aromaticity: The aromatic notes of the wine, such as citrus, herbs, and flowers, pair well with the freshness of zucchini and the delicacy of ricotta.
Additional Tips:
Serving Temperature: Serve white and rosé wines slightly chilled, around 50-54°F (10-12°C).
Customized Pairings:
Feel free to experiment and find the pairing you like best. You can also try pairing your creamy pasta with classic method sparkling wines, such as a Franciacorta or a Prosecco.
In conclusion, the choice of wine depends on your personal tastes and the characteristics of your pasta.
Experiment with different pairings and find the one that satisfies you the most!
