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Pasta with Zucchini, Zucchini Blossoms, and Caramelized Onion

5.0

(2)

Image may contain Food Pasta Dish Meal and Macaroni
Misha Gravenor Photography

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

20

zucchini blossoms, stems removed (about 3 ounces)

2

tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

1

large onion, thinly sliced

8

ounces penne pasta

3

1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3

cups 1/4-inch cubes zucchini (about 3 medium)

1

1/4 pounds tomatoes, seeded, coarsely chopped

1

teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

1

/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1

tablespoon finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Gently rinse and dry zucchini blossoms. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until deep golden, about 20 minutes; set aside.

    Step 2

    Cook penne in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini blossoms and sauté until wilted, turning, about 1 minute. Transfer to paper towels and gently blot. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini cubes; sprinkle with salt and sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, caramelized onion, and crushed red pepper to zucchini mixture; sauté 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

    Step 4

    Add vegetable mixture and 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid to pasta and toss to coat, adding more liquid if dry. Stir in cheese. Transfer pasta to large serving bowl; top with blossoms and sprinkle with parsley.