Pasta with zucchini

Pasta with Zucchini and Ham – A Quick and Tasty Treat

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a delicious plate of pasta? This simple recipe for pasta with zucchini and ham not only cooks quickly but is also packed with flavors that will delight your taste buds. It’s perfect for a light dinner during the week or for a meal with friends when you want to impress without too much effort. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients

- 400 g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 thin zucchinis (about 400 g)
- 150 g ham (or bacon, if you prefer)
- 100 g black olives (pitted, sliced)
- Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh or dried basil (optional)
- Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Preparation

1. Cooking the pasta: In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. It’s important to check them occasionally to avoid overcooking. When ready, drain and reserve a cup of the cooking water.

2. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced ham. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the ham becomes crispy and the garlic releases its aroma.

3. Adding the zucchinis: Slice the zucchinis thinly or into cubes, as preferred, and add them to the skillet. Gently stir to coat them with the flavored oil and let them cook for 5-7 minutes until they become tender but not overly soft. This is where you can add some fresh basil to enhance the flavors.

4. Final combination: When the zucchinis are ready, add the sliced olives and drained pasta. Carefully mix everything to combine the ingredients. If the sauce is too dry, you can add a bit of the reserved cooking water to achieve a creamier texture. Season with salt, pepper, and more basil if desired.

5. Serving: Divide the pasta into deep plates, generously sprinkle grated Parmesan on top, and for an extra flavor boost, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil.

Chef's Tip

To add a slightly spicy note, you can sprinkle some red pepper or chili flakes on top. Also, if you want to turn this recipe into a vegetarian dish, you can replace the ham with tofu or sautéed mushrooms.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe offers a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins, and zucchinis are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. A serving contains about 600 calories, depending on the type of pasta and the amount of Parmesan used. It’s a good choice if you want to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice to add extra fiber and nutrients.
- What other vegetables can I add? Sliced cherry tomatoes or bell peppers are wonderful options that pair perfectly with this dish.
- How can I make this recipe easier to prepare? You can prepare the zucchini and ham sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge for a few days.

Delicious Combinations

This pasta with zucchini and ham pairs wonderfully with a salad of arugula and tomatoes, drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or even a cold lemonade will perfectly complement the meal.

Personal Note

This zucchini pasta recipe reminds me of summer evenings spent with friends, enjoying simple and tasty meals. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and an invitation to conversation. I encourage you to bring friends to the table and share this delicious recipe with them!

Savor every moment and every bite of this zucchini and ham pasta – an easy and quick recipe, perfect for any occasion!