Creamy Saffron and Zucchini Pasta: a first course with zucchini that’s different from the usual. Simple and super fast to prepare.
This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a first course that looks gourmet without spending hours at the stove.
The sweetness of the zucchini pairs with the aroma of saffron, and thanks to ricotta, we achieve a velvety cream that envelops the pasta perfectly.
The final touch? Crispy bacon cubes that add a savory contrast that’s hard to resist.
But let’s see right away how to prepare the creamy saffron and zucchini pasta.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, All seasons
Ingredients
- 6 oz pasta
- 2 zucchini (medium)
- 4.4 oz ricotta
- 1 packet saffron
- 2.1 oz bacon (optional)
- 2 tbsp water (hot, to dissolve saffron)
- as needed water (to cook the zucchini)
- as needed extra virgin olive oil
- as needed salt
Tools
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Frying Pan
- 1 High-sided saucepan
- 1 Small Bowl
- 1 Immersion Blender
How to prepare creamy saffron and zucchini pasta
Wash the zucchini and cut them into cubes.
In a pan, heat a drizzle of oil and add the zucchini. Sauté over high heat for a couple of minutes, then add a ladle of water. Continue cooking until they reach the desired consistency (tender or crispier, as you prefer). At the end of cooking, adjust the salt.
In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron packet in 2-3 tablespoons of hot water.
In the mixer cup, combine the ricotta and saffron water. Blend everything with the immersion blender until you get a smooth cream with an intense yellow color.
In a separate small pan (without oil), brown the bacon cubes until they are golden and crispy. Drain from excess fat and set aside.
Cook the pasta al dente and drain it directly into the pan with the zucchini. Add the ricotta and saffron cream. If necessary, add a tablespoon of cooking water to make it more fluid.
Distribute the pasta on plates and garnish with crispy bacon cubes.
Enjoy your meal.
Storage
It is recommended to consume it immediately. If there’s any leftover, you can store it in the refrigerator for one day, reheating it with a splash of milk or water to make the cream fluid again.
FAQ
Can I substitute the bacon?
You can use speck for a smokier flavor or guanciale, or you can leave it out entirely.
Can I substitute the ricotta?
You can use cream cheese.
