Pasta with mussels and zucchini flowers is a first course rich in flavor and color; where the fruits of the land perfectly marry the delights the sea gives us.
The mussels, jewels of the Mediterranean, enclose the intense flavor of the sea, while the delicate and fragrant zucchini flowers add a touch of freshness and color to the dish, alongside juicy cherry tomatoes. The pasta cooked al dente dives voluptuously into this light and appetizing sauce, a true poem for the palate.
This is not just pasta, but a sensory journey that invites you to savor the magic of the sea and the generosity of the land. It’s an invitation to sit at the table with friends and family, to share precious moments, perhaps with the backdrop of a beautiful sunset along the coast, as the waves gently caress the shore and the wind carries with it the briny scent of the sea.
It’s precisely in this suggestive setting that my pasta with mussels and zucchini flowers is born, a perfect blend of the treasures of the sea and the land.
Try these other incredible combinations of sea and land:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
- Energy 350.64 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 37.15 (g) of which sugars 5.40 (g)
- Proteins 20.90 (g)
- Fat 13.55 (g) of which saturated 2.49 (g)of which unsaturated 2.79 (g)
- Fibers 2.19 (g)
- Sodium 771.00 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 260 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 for Pasta with Mussels and Zucchini Flowers
- 1.1 lbs mussels
- 7 oz zucchini flowers
- 12.7 oz paccheri
- 7 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
Preparation of Pasta with Mussels and Zucchini Flowers
Clean the mussels by scraping them well with a knife (or better, with a wire-bristle brush) and removing any beards. Wash them well under running water multiple times.
In a large pot, place the mussels, cover, and cook over moderate heat. Keep them on the fire until they open. Be sure to discard any closed mussels. Shell the others
Clean the zucchini flowers by removing the pistil in the center and wash them under running water. Then dry them gently, laying them out on a towel.
In a pan, sauté the zucchini flowers with 3 tablespoons of oil, 1 clove of garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add the mussels and let them season for 2 minutes.
Now add the cherry tomatoes, quartered and seeded, and cook over high heat for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, you will have heated plenty of salted water in a large pot. Boil the pasta al dente and, after draining it well, add it to the sauce, tossing for a few minutes. Also add a couple of ladles of cooking water to make the sauce creamier.
Finish individual plates with a handful of freshly chopped parsley.
Tips for Pasta with Mussels and Zucchini Flowers
For a perfect preparation of the recipe, here are some useful tips:
– Choose fresh ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients is essential for achieving excellent results. Therefore, opt for fresh mussels and just-picked zucchini flowers.
– Cook the pasta al dente: The texture of the pasta is crucial to enhance the flavors.
– You can add zucchini diced, to further enrich the dish with color and flavor.
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FAQ
Can I substitute fresh mussels with frozen ones?
Preferably not. Fresh mussels offer the best flavor and texture to the dish. However, if fresh mussels are not available, you can use frozen ones after proper thawing and preparation.
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Of course. This recipe is suitable for different pasta varieties, like linguine, spaghetti, or penne. Choose the pasta based on your preferences.
Can I prepare the pasta in advance?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, it is advisable to cook the pasta at the time of serving to maintain its texture.
