Few things are as rewarding as turning a humble vegetable into a star ingredient. This Pasta with Grated Zucchini and Crispy Prosciutto recipe takes the earthy goodness of zucchini and transforms it into a comforting pasta dish. This simple and delightful zucchini recipe can be on your dinner table in under 20 minutes. Additionally, it’s a clever way to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables, making it a fantastic choice for both adults, and picky eaters.
If you love this combination of pasta with vegetables, here’s a few more recipes to try:
Crafting the Perfect Pasta with Grated Zucchini
In a world where culinary trends come and go, some dishes stand the test of time by virtue of their simplicity, deliciousness, and versatility. Zucchini, often a staple in summer gardens, holds within it the potential to elevate any dish it graces. Grating the zucchini not only helps it blend seamlessly with pasta but also unlocks its delicate texture and subtly sweet flavor. Yellow squash, eggplant, or carrots are great substitutes for the zucchini in this garden fresh pasta dish.
By all means, omit the crispy prosciutto for one perfect Vegetarian Pasta Dish.
Ingredients:
- Fresh zucchini
- Pasta of your choice
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crispy prosciutto (optional)
Instructions
This rustic, Italian-inspired pasta recipe comes together rather quickly. Start by boiling the pasta, as you will need some of the starchy pasta water to create a creamy sauce with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Since the zucchini only needs a few minutes to sauté, time the cooking of the pasta to maintain an al dente texture. The pasta will finish cooking in the zucchini sauce.
- Grate the Zucchini: Begin by grating the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. The goal is to create thin, uniform shreds that will seamlessly integrate with the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the desired level of al dente. Remember to reserve about a cup of pasta water. This liquid gold will come in handy later.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if you desire a gentle kick of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Allow the garlic to infuse the oil with its aromatic essence.
- Embrace the Zucchini: Add the grated zucchini to the pan and sauté for a few minutes. As the zucchini cooks, it will soften and release its moisture. This moisture will ultimately contribute to the light sauce that envelops the pasta. Add a bit of the starchy pasta water to help form the sauce.
- Introduce the Pasta: Add the al dente pasta directly from the pot to the pan, allowing the ingredients to mingle and fuse their flavors.
- Creating a Sauce: Incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese vigorously to create a creamy sauce. Add a touch more pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.
- Plating: Plate the Pasta with Zucchini. Garnish with a touch more freshly grated Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Crispy Prosciutto: To elevate this simple pasta dish, top with flakes of crispy prosciutto.
What to Serve with Pasta and Grated Zucchini
While this Pasta with Grated Zucchini can certainly shine on its own, you might want to consider pairing it with complimentary dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few delightful pairing ideas:
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch and the rich aroma of garlic to the meal. The crispy texture of the bread contrasts wonderfully with the tender pasta.
- Simple Salad: A light and refreshing salad, such as a mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette, provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the pasta dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: A side of grilled vegetables, such as eggplant, bell peppers, and asparagus, complements the zucchini-focused pasta while adding smoky and savory notes.
- Herb-Infused Olive Oil Dip: Elevate your meal by offering a bowl of quality olive oil infused with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Dipping chunks of artisan bread into the oil adds depth to your dining experience.
Storing
Once the dish has cooled down, transfer any remaining pasta to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of water or broth to the pasta before microwaving or gently warming it on the stovetop. This helps to rejuvenate the flavors and maintain the pasta’s delightful texture.
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Pasta with Grated Zucchini and Crispy Prosciutto
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pasta with Grated Zucchini and Crispy Prosciutto recipe takes the earthy goodness of zucchini and transforms it into a comforting pasta dish. This simple and delightful zucchini recipe can be on your dinner table in under 20 minutes. Additionally, it’s a clever way to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables, making it a fantastic choice for both adults, and picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 12-ounces pasta
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pasta water, plus
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2-ounces prosciutto
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper, for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon olive oil, for garnish
Instructions
- Start boiling a pot of water for the pasta.
- If making crispy prosciutto, lay the prosciutto on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400° for 3 to 4 minutes, or until almost crispy. (Note: the prosciutto will continue to crisp up as it cools)
- Remove from oven and place on paper towels. Reserve.
- Grate the zucchini on a box grater (using a small grate)
- Once boiling, salt the water. Add the pasta.
- In a saucepan, heat up the olive oil, garlic and crushed red pepper.
- Allow to infuse for just a minute or two.
- Add the grated zucchini and salt.
- Sauté the zucchini for just about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the pasta water. Cook for another minute.
- Transfer the pasta directly from the pot to the saucepan using a slotted spoon.
- Mix to coat the pasta.
- Turn down the heat. Working quickly, add the Parmesan cheese and stir vigorously to form a creamy sauce.
- Plate. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of a good quality olive oil.
- Break up the prosciutto and sprinkle on the pasta.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- start cooking the pasta before creating the sauce
- infuse the olive oil with the garlic and crushed red pepper (do not brown the garlic)
- the grated zucchini only needs about two minutes to sauté
- cook the pasta to al dente (the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce)
- transfer the pasta directly from the pot using a slotted spoon
- reserve a little extra pasta water to thin out the sauce, if needed
- instead of baking, air fry the prosciutto at 360° for 4 to 6 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American, Italian
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