Pasta ai Fiori di Zucca (Pasta with Zucchini Blossoms)

4.3
(3)
3 Reviews
4 Photos

This penne pasta with squash blossoms and parsley is bursting with wonderful summer flavor. Use your favorite pasta shape.

Submitted by robwala
Updated on August 19, 2023
4
4
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

  • 1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta

  • 15 fresh zucchini blossoms

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon saffron threads

  • 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water.

  2. Clean and rinse zucchini blossoms, removing the inner parts (stigma or anthers); coarsely chop the flowers.

  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook and stir garlic in hot oil until it begins to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in reserved pasta water, parsley, and saffron until combined. Add zucchini blossoms and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with cornmeal; stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.

  4. Gently fold penne into zucchini blossom mixture and top with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

299 Calories
9g Fat
46g Carbs
9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 299
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 342mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 9g 19%
Vitamin C 23mg 25%
Calcium 68mg 5%
Iron 3mg 16%
Potassium 223mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.