PACCHERI with OCTOPUS and ZUCCHINI, a seafood dish to impress the family, tasty first course with simple ingredients, delicious and perfect for lunch or dinner.
I admit, last night I wanted to enjoy a simple yet surprising seafood dish, and who better than my father-in-law, a master in the kitchen, could get to work? The result? PACCHERI with OCTOPUS and ZUCCHINI, a real spectacle of flavors, aromas, and colors, perfect for a dinner with friends or a special lunch.
This recipe is not just pasta with octopus and zucchini: it’s an experience, a seafood dish that wins everyone over at the first taste, with that homemade touch that only those who cook with passion can give. In this article, I tell you everything, from the secrets of tender octopus to perfectly crispy zucchini, and unveil some extra tips to make your version irresistible.
Join me in the kitchen today for paccheri with octopus and zucchini.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 12.3 oz paccheri
- 1.1 lbs octopus
- 2 zucchini
- 1 clove garlic
- Half glass wine (optional)
Steps
Clean the octopus and cook it in lightly salted water with aromatics, if you prefer, for about 30 minutes, until it becomes tender.
Cut the zucchini into slices and sauté them in a pan with oil and garlic for 5–7 minutes, until they are slightly golden but still crunchy.
Cook the paccheri in plenty of salted water until al dente.
Cut the octopus into small pieces and cook in a pan with oil and wine, let it evaporate, then add some of the pasta cooking water.
Drain the pasta and toss it in the pan with the chopped octopus and zucchini.
Add fresh chopped parsley, adjust salt and pepper, and serve hot.
For a more intense flavor, add a drizzle of lemon-flavored oil or fresh chopped chili.
Bon appétit
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PACCHERI with OCTOPUS and ZUCCHINI seafood dish to impress
When we think of a seafood recipe, we often think of complicated or long preparations, but my father-in-law proved the opposite. The paccheri with octopus and zucchini are easy to make, quick, yet elegant.
Fresh ingredients: fresh octopus, seasonal zucchini, extra virgin olive oil, and chopped parsley.
Balance of flavors: the sweetness of the zucchini and the delicacy of the octopus blend with the al dente pasta.
Versatility: it can become a unique dish for the family or an elegant course for guests.
This dish represents the perfect meeting between tradition and modern taste, making it ideal even for those looking for simple yet impactful seafood recipes.
How to make PACCHERI with OCTOPUS and ZUCCHINI unforgettable
The secret of tender octopus
Not everyone knows how to cook octopus to keep it tender. My father-in-law uses a foolproof trick: slow cooking in lightly salted water. The result? Juicy octopus that melts in your mouth, ready to embrace the paccheri.
Crunchy and flavorful zucchini
The zucchini are cut into thin slices and sautéed in a hot pan. This way, they maintain texture and color, adding a perfect contrast to the tenderness of the octopus.
Extra tips for a restaurant-style dish.
Add a drizzle of lemon-flavored oil before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if you like, a pinch of chili pepper.
For a richer version, a few cubes of melting provola can add a gourmet touch.
Why this recipe is perfect for your table.
The paccheri with octopus and zucchini are ideal for various occasions:
Quick yet elegant dinner
Sunday family lunch
Dish to serve guests without stress.
Thanks to the simple yet quality ingredients, and my father-in-law’s technique, this dish becomes a real culinary experience, maintaining an authentic and homemade taste.
Extra tips to surprise your guests
Present the dish in a large bowl or directly on the table in a rustic-chic style.
Play with colors: the green of the zucchini, the pink of the octopus, and some sprigs of parsley.
Accompany with a glass of dry white wine, ideal with seafood dishes.
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FAQ PACCHERI with OCTOPUS and ZUCCHINI seafood dish to impress
Can I use frozen octopus?
Yes, that’s fine, but remember to thaw it slowly and cook it well to keep it tender.
Can the zucchini be replaced?
Absolutely! Grilled peppers or eggplants can add a different touch without losing flavor.
How long does it take to prepare paccheri with octopus and zucchini?
From cleaning the octopus to cooking the pasta, about 40–50 minutes.
Can I prepare paccheri with octopus and zucchini in advance?
You can prepare the octopus in advance, but it’s best to assemble the dish at the last moment to keep the zucchini crunchy and the pasta al dente.
