Mezze maniche with bell peppers and zucchini

Here is the recipe for mezze maniche (a type of pasta similar to penne but shorter) with bell peppers and zucchini, a colorful and tasty dish that combines the sweet flavor of bell peppers with the freshness of zucchini.

Ingredients

• 320 g di mezze maniche
• 2 bell peppers (red and yellow for a more colorful dish)
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 garlic clove
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (a handful of leaves)
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by washing the bell peppers and zucchini. Dry them and cut them into pieces about 1 cm wide.
2. Take a large pan, pour in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the peeled garlic (you can also crush it slightly to enhance the flavor).
3. Once the garlic is golden, remove it and add the bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the zucchini and continue cooking for another 10 minutes or so over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you like, you can add a piece of chili pepper to give the dish a bit of spice.
5. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mezze maniche according to the manufacturer’s instructions for al dente cooking.
6. Drain the pasta and pour it into the pan with the bell peppers and zucchini. Toss everything in the pan for a few minutes to let the pasta absorb the flavors well.
7. Turn off the heat, adjust salt and pepper, and add the fresh basil torn by hand to prevent it from blackening.
8. Plate and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.

Fun Fact

Mezze maniche are a pasta shape that takes its name from their form, which indeed resembles shirt sleeves cut in half. This shape is perfect for holding the sauce inside the tube, ensuring a rich and flavorful bite.

Enjoy your meal!