Tuscan Summer Zucchini Pasta Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Tuscan Summer Zucchini Pasta Delight. This dish, born from an abundance of fresh garden zucchini, brings together the earthy notes of rosemary, the richness of extra virgin olive oil, and the hearty texture of cannellini beans. In just 15-20 minutes, you can create a wholesome one-dish meal that's perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Utilizing flavorful, homemade oil infused with garlic and herbs, this recipe not only promises a burst of taste but also embraces the simplicity of fresh ingredients. Note that the flavored oil should be prepared in advance, allowing it to steep and deepen in flavor. Serve this delightful dish warm, garnished with freshly torn basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added touch of luxury.
N/A
Servings
333
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
small shell pasta
1 lb (Use Barilla Piccolini Wheels or pasta of choice)
extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (Mixed with spices for flavored oil)
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Add to flavored oil)
fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons (Minced for flavor infusion)
garlic cloves
4-5 (Minced for the flavored oil)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Add to flavored oil and pasta water)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (Optional for spice)
zucchini
2 (Halved and sliced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (With juice)
cannellini beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the flavored olive oil: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper, 2 tablespoons of minced fresh rosemary, 4-5 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the small shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a couple of tablespoons of the prepared flavored olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced zucchini and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
4
Carefully add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the remaining flavored olive oil, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice into the skillet. Stir gently and heat through, allowing the mixture to bubble lightly. Reduce the heat to low while you finish cooking the pasta.
5
Once the pasta is ready, toss it into the skillet with the zucchini and bean mixture. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
6
Serve immediately, preferably with a garnish of fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
32g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Summer Zucchini Pasta Delight?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring fresh garden zucchini, rosemary-infused olive oil, cannellini beans, and small shell pasta.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
The cooking process takes approximately 15-20 minutes, though the flavored oil should steep for at least 30 minutes beforehand.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian one-dish meal.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
Small shell pasta is recommended, specifically Barilla Piccolini Wheels or a similar shape.
How do I make the flavored olive oil?
Combine 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil with minced rosemary, minced garlic, fresh ground pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes.
How long should the olive oil infuse?
Allow the oil mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors of the herbs and garlic deepen.
What are the main ingredients?
The ingredients include pasta, extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary, garlic, zucchini, diced tomatoes, and cannellini beans.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 333 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
How many zucchinis do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 zucchinis, halved and sliced.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use the 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes along with their juice.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How should the cannellini beans be prepared?
The beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the skillet.
Should the pasta be cooked al dente?
Yes, cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 4 to 5 minced garlic cloves.
What type of rosemary should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of minced fresh rosemary.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the flavored oil for extra heat.
What should I do with the pasta cooking water?
Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce when tossing the ingredients together.
How long do I sauté the zucchini?
Sauté the sliced zucchini for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Freshly torn basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese are recommended for serving.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy eating recipe featuring fresh vegetables and beans.
What size can of diced tomatoes is used?
One 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes is needed.
How much olive oil is used for the infusion?
The recipe uses 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil for the flavored base.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 10 key ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use a different bean?
While cannellini beans are standard for Tuscan flavors, you could substitute other white beans.
What heat setting is used for the skillet?
Begin with medium heat for sautéing, then reduce to low once the beans and tomatoes are added.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is best served immediately while warm.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The dish features earthy rosemary, rich garlic, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically designed to utilize fresh summer garden zucchini and is tagged for summer recipes.