Creamy Zucchini Penne Carbonara
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic carbonara with this vegetarian Creamy Zucchini Penne Carbonara. Inspired by Jill Dupleix's fabulous cookbook, 'Good Cooking', this dish transforms fresh, vibrant zucchini into a luscious, creamy sauce, replacing traditional bacon for a lighter yet equally satisfying meal. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta, tender zucchini, and a rich egg and Parmesan sauce creates a beautifully comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner for two. Enjoy every bite of this nutritious and flavorful recipe that will leave you craving more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne or fine tagliatelle pasta
7 ounces (cooked in boiling salted water)
sea salt
to taste (flaked smoked sea salt recommended)
black pepper
to taste (coarsely ground)
zucchini
2 medium (about 8 oz.) (trimmed, sliced, and diced)
egg yolks
3 (beaten in a bowl)
Parmesan cheese
2.5 tablespoons (freshly grated, plus extra for garnish)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (grated)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne or tagliatelle pasta. Cook for 6 minutes.
2
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the zucchini by trimming the ends, slicing them lengthwise into thick strips, and then dicing into small pieces.
3
3. After 6 minutes, add the diced zucchini to the pot with the pasta and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but retains some crunch and the pasta is al dente.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg yolks, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and a good pinch of sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
5
5. Once the pasta and zucchini are cooked, drain them while reserving a couple of spoonfuls of the cooking water. Immediately add the hot pasta and zucchini to the egg mixture, swiftly tossing to coat all the ingredients. If the mixture appears too dry, add the reserved cooking water gradually until you achieve a creamy consistency.
6
6. Serve the pasta in warm shallow bowls, garnished with an extra sprinkle of black pepper and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your deliciously creamy zucchini carbonara!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Zucchini Penne Carbonara?
It is a vegetarian twist on the classic carbonara that replaces bacon with fresh zucchini to create a lighter yet satisfying meal.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This dish was inspired by Jill Dupleix's cookbook titled 'Good Cooking'.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe as it uses zucchini instead of the traditional bacon or guanciale.
What types of pasta are recommended?
The recipe suggests using either penne or fine tagliatelle pasta.
How much pasta do I need for this recipe?
You will need 7 ounces of penne or fine tagliatelle pasta.
How long should I boil the pasta before adding the zucchini?
The pasta should be cooked in boiling salted water for 6 minutes before the zucchini is added to the pot.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be trimmed, sliced lengthwise into thick strips, and then diced into small pieces.
How much zucchini is required?
The recipe calls for 2 medium zucchini, which is approximately 8 ounces.
When do I add the zucchini to the cooking water?
Add the diced zucchini to the pot with the pasta after the pasta has already cooked for 6 minutes.
How long does the zucchini need to cook?
The zucchini should cook for an additional 2 minutes until it is tender but still retains some crunch.
What ingredients make up the carbonara sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of egg yolks, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, sea salt, and coarsely ground black pepper.
How many egg yolks are used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 3 egg yolks.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the sauce?
You will need 2.5 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnishing.
What role does lemon zest play in the dish?
One teaspoon of lemon zest is added to the egg mixture to provide a bright, fresh flavor to the creamy sauce.
What kind of salt is recommended?
While sea salt is standard, flaked smoked sea salt is specifically recommended for better flavor.
What should I do before draining the pasta and zucchini?
Be sure to reserve a couple of spoonfuls of the pasta cooking water before draining.
How do I combine the pasta with the egg mixture?
Immediately add the hot, drained pasta and zucchini to the egg mixture and toss swiftly to coat.
Why should I save some of the pasta cooking water?
The reserved water can be added gradually to the pasta if the mixture appears too dry, helping to achieve a creamy consistency.
How should the final dish be served?
Serve the pasta in warm shallow bowls for the best experience.
What are the suggested garnishes for this carbonara?
Garnish the dish with an extra sprinkle of coarsely ground black pepper and more freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Does this recipe use heavy cream?
No, the creaminess comes from the emulsion of egg yolks, cheese, and a bit of reserved pasta water.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The description indicates this recipe is a perfect dinner for two people.
What is the total cooking time for the pasta?
The total cooking time is approximately 8 minutes (6 minutes alone plus 2 minutes with the zucchini).
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and lighter alternative to traditional carbonara.
What is the texture of the pasta when finished?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a quick meal.
Can I use pre-ground black pepper?
The recipe specifically recommends coarsely ground black pepper for the best texture and flavor.
What kind of bowl is best for serving?
Warm shallow bowls are recommended to keep the pasta at the right temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.
What is the primary vegetable in this dish?
Zucchini is the star vegetable of this creamy pasta dish.