Description
Zucchini Spaghetti Delight is a sumptuous combination of crispy zucchini slices, intertwined with al dente spaghetti and a creamy parmesan sauce. This dish, which is both hearty and comforting, beautifully marries the freshness of garden vegetables with the indulgence of cheese. Perfect for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- ½ quart sunflower or vegetable oil (approximately 2 cups)
- 6 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 2 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Add the sunflower oil to a large pot and heat it to a medium-high temperature. Fry the thinly sliced zucchini until they achieve a golden brown color, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once fried, remove the zucchini slices using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Season the Zucchini
In a separate bowl, combine the fried zucchini with chopped basil and a pinch of kosher salt. Drizzle this mixture with some extra virgin olive oil and toss gently to mix.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it is al dente. Before draining, reserve about 2 cups of the pasta cooking liquid for later use. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Zucchini
Place the cooked spaghetti into a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned zucchini mixture to the pasta, tossing continuously. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking liquid until the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Add Parmesan
Continue to toss the pasta while gradually adding the grated parmesan cheese. Ensure that the pasta is well-coated with the cheese and the sauce has reached your desired creaminess. Season with additional salt if needed.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Drizzle additional extra virgin olive oil over the pasta and serve it warm. Offer extra parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire an extra cheesy experience.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 6 people and takes approximately 10 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the leftovers before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the pasta over medium heat on the stove, adding a little water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist and prevent it from sticking. Microwave reheating is also possible, though stove-top warming is recommended for maintaining the best texture.
Conclusion
Zucchini Spaghetti Delight is a versatile dish that not only pleases the palate but also provides a comforting and nutritious meal. Its combination of fresh, crispy zucchini and creamy parmesan enveloped in perfectly cooked spaghetti makes it a must-try for anyone fond of Italian cuisine or looking for a fulfilling vegetarian option. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit.
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Zucchini Spaghetti Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Zucchini Spaghetti Delight is a sumptuous combination of crispy zucchini slices, intertwined with al dente spaghetti and a creamy parmesan sauce. This dish, which is both hearty and comforting, beautifully marries the freshness of garden vegetables with the indulgence of cheese. Perfect for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- ½ quart sunflower or vegetable oil (approximately 2 cups)
- 6 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 2 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Add the sunflower oil to a large pot and heat it to a medium-high temperature. Fry the thinly sliced zucchini until they achieve a golden brown color, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once fried, remove the zucchini slices using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 2: Season the Zucchini In a separate bowl, combine the fried zucchini with chopped basil and a pinch of kosher salt. Drizzle this mixture with some extra virgin olive oil and toss gently to mix.
- Step 3: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it is al dente. Before draining, reserve about 2 cups of the pasta cooking liquid for later use. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Step 4: Combine Pasta and Zucchini Place the cooked spaghetti into a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned zucchini mixture to the pasta, tossing continuously. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking liquid until the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
- Step 5: Add Parmesan Continue to toss the pasta while gradually adding the grated parmesan cheese. Ensure that the pasta is well-coated with the cheese and the sauce has reached your desired creaminess. Season with additional salt if needed.
- Step 6: Final Touches and Serve Drizzle additional extra virgin olive oil over the pasta and serve it warm. Offer extra parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire an extra cheesy experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes