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Half Penne with Zucchini Sauce and Dried Fruit

17/11/2023

Here’s a recipe to prepare half penne with zucchini sauce and dried fruit, a tasty and flavorful variation that combines the freshness of vegetables with the rich taste of dried fruit.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of half penne
  • 2 medium-sized zucchinis
  • 40 g of peeled almonds
  • 40 g of walnuts
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 60 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil (a few leaves for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Begin by lightly toasting the almonds and walnuts in a non-stick pan, being careful not to burn them. Once golden, remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Wash the zucchinis and slice them into rounds or julienne, depending on your preference.
  3. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil with a clove of garlic. When the garlic is golden, remove it and add the zucchinis.
  4. Sauté the zucchinis until they become tender, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Once the zucchinis are cooked, set aside a portion of them for the final garnish.
  6. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the half penne until al dente, following the instructions on the package.
  7. Using an immersion blender or a mixer, blend the remaining zucchinis in the pan with half of the toasted almonds and walnuts, until you obtain a smooth cream. If necessary, add some of the pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
  8. Drain the pasta al dente and pour it into the pan with the zucchini cream, mixing well to blend the flavors.
  9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly.
  10. Serve the half penne garnished with the reserved zucchinis, the remaining roughly chopped almonds and walnuts, and a few fresh basil leaves for decoration.

This recipe creates a perfect balance between the delicate flavor of the zucchinis and the more pronounced taste of the dried fruit. Almonds and walnuts add crunchiness and a touch of originality to the dish. For a completely vegetarian variant, you can replace the Parmesan cheese with grated vegetable cheese or simply omit it. Enjoy your meal!