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Pasta with zucchini, bacon and saffron

17/11/2023

Here is a recipe to prepare a delicious Pasta with zucchini, bacon, and saffron, with an Italian touch that never hurts. The combination of zucchini and bacon is classic and the saffron adds a particular aroma that elevates the dish.

Ingredients

  • 320 grams of pasta (penne, spaghetti, or the pasta you prefer)
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 150 grams of diced bacon
  • 1 sachet of saffron
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil (as needed)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • grated Parmesan cheese (optional, to serve)
  • A pinch of chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing and cutting the zucchini into rounds or cubes, depending on your preferences.
  2. In a pan, fry a clove of garlic in extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, add a pinch of chili pepper. Remove the garlic as soon as it’s golden.
  3. Add the diced bacon and let it brown until it becomes crispy.
  4. Put the zucchini in the pan with the bacon and cook them until they’re soft but still slightly crunchy.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. When the water boils, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
  6. Dissolve the saffron in a small amount of the pasta’s hot water or in a bit of cooking cream, if you desire a creamier version.
  7. Drain the pasta al dente and save some of the cooking water.
  8. Take the pasta off the heat and add the dissolved saffron to the zucchini and bacon. Stir well to blend the flavors.
  9. Add the pasta to the pan with the zucchini, bacon, and saffron, and toss everything together for a few minutes. If necessary, add some of the pasta cooking water to make it creamier.
  10. Serve and, if you wish, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Curiosity

Saffron is a very precious spice, known for its distinctive aroma and the golden color it gives to dishes. It’s used in various cuisines around the world, from Italian to Persian and Indian. In the dish you have prepared, saffron enhances not only the flavor but also the appearance with its vibrant color.

Pasta with zucchini, bacon and saffron