Pasta with Zucchini Flowers and Feta

17/11/2023

Pasta with zucchini flowers and feta is a summery, light, and colorful dish. Here is the recipe to prepare a delicious pasta dish with this fresh and tasty combination.

Ingredients

320 g of pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your preferred type)
10 zucchini flowers
200 g of feta cheese
2 cloves of garlic
5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili pepper (optional)
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Grated zest of one lemon (optional, for a touch of freshness)

Preparation

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Meanwhile, clean the zucchini flowers by removing the pistil inside and the stems, then rinse them gently and pat dry carefully. Cut them into strips or leave them whole, according to your preference.
In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add peeled and slightly crushed garlic cloves. If you like, you can also add some chili pepper for a spicy kick.
Before the garlic turns golden, add the zucchini flowers and sauté them briefly in the oil. Season with salt and pepper. The cooking should be quick to maintain their bright color and a slightly crunchy texture.
Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it to the pan with the zucchini flowers. If necessary, add a little pasta cooking water to make it creamier.
Turn off the heat and add the crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix so that the feta blends with the pasta and zucchini flowers without completely melting.
Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh mint and grated lemon zest before serving.

Curiosity

Zucchini flowers are greatly appreciated in Italian cuisine for their delicacy and versatility. They are a traditional ingredient of Roman and Neapolitan cuisine, where they are often used fried in batter or as a filling for pasta or pizza. The contrast between the sweetness of the zucchini flowers and the salty flavor of feta makes this dish a perfect balance of flavors.

Enjoy your meal!