Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Zucchini Flowers and Cream

Whole wheat spaghetti with zucchini flowers and cream is a light, healthy, and very colorful dish, perfect for spring or summer. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 320 g of whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 shallot
• 8 zucchini flowers
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spaghetti cooking water as needed
• 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Preparation

1. Start by washing the zucchini and slicing them into rounds.
2. Clean the shallots and slice them thinly.
3. Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan and sauté the shallots until they become translucent.
4. Add the zucchini to the pan and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. While the zucchini are cooking, gently clean the zucchini flowers, removing the inner stamen and any external impurities.
6. Set aside some of the cooked zucchini for the final garnish.
7. Blend the remaining zucchini with a pinch of salt, pepper, and some of the spaghetti cooking water to achieve a creamy consistency.
8. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti in plenty of salted water, following the package directions.
9. While the spaghetti is cooking, cook the zucchini flowers in a pan with two tablespoons of oil and a dash of water, just enough to soften them.
10. Drain the spaghetti al dente, saving some of the cooking water.
11. Transfer the spaghetti into the pan with the zucchini cream and mix well, adding a bit of cooking water to maintain creaminess.
12. Add grated Parmesan cheese if you desire a creamier texture and a more intense flavor.
13. Plate the spaghetti, garnish with the zucchini set aside, the lightly cooked zucchini flowers, and decorate with fresh basil leaves.

Fun Facts

Zucchini flowers are highly appreciated in Italian cuisine, especially when stuffed and fried. In this dish, however, we have used them in a lighter way to enhance their delicate flavor.

If you are looking for a wine pairing, I could suggest a fresh and slightly fruity white that pairs well with the delicacy of the dish. A Vermentino or a Chardonnay could be good choices. Enjoy your meal!