Penne Alla Zucca Recipes

PASTA AI FIORI DI ZUCCA (PASTA WITH ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS)

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with water, stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta-cooking water.
• Clean and rinse zucchini blossoms, removing the inner parts (stigma or anthers); coarsely chop the flowers.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat; cook and stir garlic in the hot oil until it begins to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir parsley, saffron, and reserved 1/2 cup of pasta-cooking water into skillet; stir to combine. Add zucchini blossoms and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle cornmeal into mixture and stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Gently fold penne pasta into zucchini blossom mixture and top with Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.

PENNE CON SALSICCIA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Meanwhile, place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Add onion and saute until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute more. Drain off and discard any excess fat.
• Add the tomatoes, basil, oregano, parsley, crushed red pepper, and salt. Stir in mushrooms and pasta sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cooked pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.