If you’re looking for an easy, quick, yet flavorful first course, pasta with zucchini and smoked salmon is the perfect solution.
It’s a recipe that suits those who love to organize in advance in the kitchen: just have some zucchini (even pre-cooked — perhaps grilled or sautéed) and smoked salmon ready to use.
In a few minutes, you’ll be able to bring a balanced, light but rich dish to the table, ideal both for a quick weekday lunch and an informal dinner.
The contrast between the sweetness of the zucchini and the strong taste of smoked salmon makes this dish truly delicious, and if you wish, you can enrich it with a touch of light cream or a tablespoon of spreadable cheese for more creaminess. The pasta shape can also vary: I prefer fusilli, but choose what you prefer or have in your pantry.
In short: a simple, smart recipe, perfect for those who want to eat well without stress — and without being seen too much in the kitchen. Discover how to make it now.
TRY ALSO:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer, All Seasons
- Energy 255.80 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 31.32 (g) of which sugars 1.10 (g)
- Proteins 20.59 (g)
- Fat 5.81 (g) of which saturated 1.20 (g)of which unsaturated 2.24 (g)
- Fibers 2.72 (g)
- Sodium 2,120.75 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 4 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 Zucchini and Smoked Salmon
- 6.35 oz pasta (fusilli or rigatoni)
- 3.53 oz smoked salmon
- 2 zucchini (medium)
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
Tools
- 1 Pan pan
- 1 Grater large hole grater
Steps for Pasta with Zucchini and Smoked Salmon
Put some water in a pot on the stove and, once it boils, add salt and drop in the pasta.
Now wash and dry the zucchini and grate them with a large hole grater (alternatively, finely slice them with a knife).
In a pan, heat a drizzle of oil and add the zucchini. Stir them occasionally with a wooden spoon until they are well wilted and slightly darkened. Season with a little salt, as the smoked salmon is already quite salty.
Drain the pasta al dente and add it to the pan with the zucchini, mixing everything.
With a knife, cut the smoked salmon into strips and add it to the pasta with zucchini, stirring with a wooden spoon. You can serve immediately.
FAQ
Can I add spreadable cheese to the pasta with zucchini and salmon?
Absolutely yes! A tablespoon of spreadable cheese (like robiola or Philadelphia) adds creaminess and binds the ingredients well. I recommend softening it with a couple of tablespoons of pasta cooking water to get a smooth and velvety cream. It should be added with the heat off, just before tossing the pasta with the zucchini and salmon.
How can I enhance the flavor of the zucchini without overpowering it?
You can add a crushed garlic clove (then removed) to the oil in the pan, or some finely chopped onion. A grating of lemon zest at the end of cooking can also give it an extra kick. Alternatively, a sprinkle of black pepper or a pinch of dried chili can make them livelier without overwhelming them.
