Penne with Zucchini and Speck

Here is the recipe for a delicious dish of Penne with Zucchini and Speck, a tasty combination that brings together the sweetness of zucchini with the smoky flavor of speck.

Ingredients

• 320 g of penne rigate
• 2 medium zucchini
• 100 g of speck in slices
• 1 small onion
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by cutting the zucchini into rounds or sticks, whichever you prefer.
2. Thinly slice the onion and cut the speck into strips.
3. Put a pan on the heat with the oil and onion, letting it fry until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the zucchini to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. While the zucchini is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
6. Add the speck to the zucchini and let them flavor together for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Cook the penne in the pot of boiling water following the time indicated on the package to have them al dente.
8. Drain the pasta keeping aside some of the cooking water.
9. Pour the penne into the pan with the zucchini and speck and mix well, adding a little cooking water if necessary to make it creamier.
10. Adjust for salt and pepper, and if you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Curiosity

Speck is a type of charcuterie typical of Northern Italy, especially South Tyrol, and is characterized by its smoking and curing process that gives it a unique and unmistakable flavor. In this recipe, speck not only enriches the dish with its taste but also perfectly complements the sweetness of the zucchini, creating a balance of flavors that will delight the palate.

Buon appetito!