Pasta with Zucchini Flowers, Prosciutto, and Saffron

17/11/2023

Pasta with zucchini flowers, prosciutto, and saffron is a delightful dish that blends delicate and colorful flavors. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

320 g of pasta (ideally penne or spaghetti)
10-12 zucchini flowers
100 g of thinly sliced prosciutto
1 packet of saffron
1 clove of garlic
200 ml of cooking cream
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

Cleaning zucchini flowers: Clean the zucchini flowers by removing the inner stamen and the external sepals, then gently wash and dry them with paper towels.
Cooking pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions.
Sautéing with garlic and prosciutto: While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and lightly sauté the garlic clove. Add the prosciutto strips and let them brown until they’re slightly crispy.
Adding zucchini flowers: Cut the zucchini flowers into strips and add them to the prosciutto. Let them cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.
Saffron: Dissolve the packet of saffron in a little warm water and add it to the pan with the prosciutto and zucchini flowers.
Cream: Pour the cream into the pan and cook over low heat for a few minutes until it takes on a golden color. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Tossing the pasta: Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it to the pan with the sauce, toss over high heat for a minute to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
Serving: Plate the pasta, adding grated Parmesan cheese and a grind of fresh pepper to taste.

Interesting Facts

Zucchini flowers are delicate and lend themselves to many preparations, especially in Italian cuisine. They are particularly appreciated when stuffed and fried, but in this dish, they enhance their natural sweetness, perfectly matching the saltiness of the prosciutto and the aroma of saffron.

I wish you bon appétit and hope you enjoy both making and savoring this fantastic dish!