Il Cucinologo
EN

Pasta with Zucchini Cream and Scampi

17/11/2023

I can provide you with a recipe for a delicious pasta with zucchini cream and scampi with an Italian touch. It is a dish that combines the delicate flavors of the sea with the more earthy ones from the garden.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pasta (linguine or spaghetti work well)
  • 300 g of fresh or frozen scampi
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Extra virgin olive oil (to taste for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh chopped parsley (to taste)
  • A knob of butter (optional for finishing)
  • Grated lemon zest (for a touch of freshness)
  • White wine (a splash for deglazing)

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the scampi: remove the head and shell, taking care to preserve the flesh and coral (the orange part). Extract the intestine with the help of a toothpick. Set aside.

  2. Wash and cut the zucchini into rounds or cubes. In a pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a crushed garlic clove. When the garlic is golden, add the cut zucchini and let them cook over medium heat until softened.

  3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water, following the cooking times indicated on the package to achieve al dente texture.

  4. During the zucchini cooking, add a pinch of salt, pepper, and, if desired, grated lemon zest.

  5. Once the zucchini are cooked, remove about a third and set aside. Blend the rest with an immersion blender until a smooth cream is obtained. If necessary, add a little pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.

  6. In another pan, cook the scampi with a drizzle of oil and a garlic clove. Deglaze with a splash of white wine and let it evaporate.

  7. Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it to the pan with the zucchini cream, add the butter if you want a creamier texture, and toss over high heat.

  8. Add the tossed pasta to the plate, the sautéed scampi, and the reserved zucchini rounds for texture and contrast.

  9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Curiosities

This recipe pairs simple, genuine ingredients like zucchini with premium products like scampi, offering a balance of flavors that is typically valued in Italian cuisine. The lemon zest adds a fresh, fragrant note that enhances the scampi flavor and pairs perfectly with the sweet taste of the zucchini.