Directions
When we find ourselves at home and lunchtime approaches, we often feel drawn to the desire for something delicious, yet without the motivation to prepare elaborate recipes. This is where our dish of penne with speck and zucchini comes into play—a flavorful and creative combination that relies on simple ingredients, offering a vegetarian first course rich in taste.
Opting for whole wheat pasta enhances the dish’s flavor with a subtle toasted note, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the zucchini and the bold taste of the speck. This dish strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy, quick, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients Needed for Penne with Speck and Zucchini
To prepare this dish, you will need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s the list:
- 400 g of whole wheat penne
- 150 g of speck
- 2 zucchinis
- 1 shallot
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme (optional)
A Balanced Dish Rich in Flavor
Penne with speck and zucchini are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer a high nutritional value thanks to the whole wheat pasta and zucchinis, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. The combination of flavors from the smoky, salty speck and the sweet, fresh zucchini creates a perfect harmony. The quick preparation time allows you to serve a dish that’s sure to please everyone’s palate.
Step-by-Step Preparation of Penne with Speck and Zucchini
Now that we have gathered all the essential ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation. Follow these steps to create your dish of penne with speck and zucchini:
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparing the Zucchini
Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly to remove any impurities. Once cleaned, grate two of the zucchinis using a coarse grater and set them aside. The grated zucchini will help create a creamy base that blends beautifully with the penne.
Step 2: Slicing the Zucchini
Take the remaining zucchinis and cut them in half, then slice them into thin sticks. Ensure that the sticks are uniform, about 2-3 cm long, to ensure even cooking and to avoid them becoming too soft.
Step 3: Preparing the Aromatic Base
Finely chop one shallot and sauté it in a pan with a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add a ladle of warm water to aid the cooking process. When the shallot starts to soften, add the grated zucchinis, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cooking the Grated Zucchini
Allow the grated zucchinis to cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If needed, add another ladle of warm water until a soft, creamy consistency is achieved.
Step 5: Cooking the Zucchini Sticks
In another pan, heat the remaining olive oil and add the zucchini sticks. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for about 5-6 minutes, until they become slightly golden and tender.
Step 6: Preparing the Speck
While the zucchini is cooking, slice the speck into strips about 3 cm long. When the grated zucchini is ready, combine the speck strips into the pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the speck becomes crispy and releases its smoky flavor.
Step 7: Cooking the Pasta
In a separate pot, bring plenty of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the zucchinis and speck.
Step 8: Mixing and Serving
Stir all the ingredients well to combine the flavors. At this point, add the previously cooked zucchini sticks and some fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch of freshness. Serve the penne with speck and zucchini hot, finishing with a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper.
Conclusion
Penne with speck and zucchini make for an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick yet flavorful first course. Thanks to their simplicity, this recipe can be customized with additional ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or saffron, to make it even more exciting. Don’t miss the chance to wow your guests with this dish that’s a true delight for the palate.
We hope this recipe inspires you to unleash your culinary creativity. Enjoy your meal!
