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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Fettuccine with Courgettes and Cherry Tomatoes

Fettuccine with Courgettes and Cherry Tomatoes

📖 What is it

A quick and delicious pasta dish bursting with fresh courgettes and juicy cherry tomatoes – perfect for any occasion!

⏱️
Prep Time
about 15 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 10 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ Spring, Summer
4.90/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 400g fettuccine
  • 2 Genoese courgettes
  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 clove of Nubia red garlic
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • half a teaspoon of vegetable stock granules
  • a pinch of salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • grated aged Sicilian pecorino cheese

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
350 kcal
Protein
12 g
Fat
10 g
Carbohydrates
50 g
Fiber
4 g
Sugars
5 g
Sodium
600 mg

Dive into the authentic flavours of Sicily with these fettuccine tossed with fresh courgettes and sun-ripened cherry tomatoes. It’s like a sunny summer’s day in a lush garden, where the gentle aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil mingles with the scent of just-picked vegetables. This simple, speedy dish is ideal for bringing a genuine taste of island tradition to your table, especially on warm, bright spring and summer evenings.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Rinse the courgettes and cherry tomatoes under cold running water.

  2. 2

    Trim the ends off the courgettes and grate them finely using a box grater.

  3. 3

    Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.

  4. 4

    Peel and finely chop the garlic, then gently fry it in a pan with 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

  5. 5

    Add the grated courgettes to the pan and sauté for about five minutes.

  6. 6

    Pour in half a glass of water, add the cherry tomatoes, vegetable stock granules, and a pinch of salt.

  7. 7

    Simmer everything over a moderate heat for around ten minutes.

  8. 8

    Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water, drain, and transfer to the pan with the sauce.

  9. 9

    Toss the pasta in the pan for a couple of minutes, then season with freshly ground black pepper.

  10. 10

    Serve the fettuccine sprinkled with grated pecorino cheese.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • For an extra burst of Mediterranean fragrance, stir in a few fresh basil leaves just before serving.

  • If you prefer a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of single cream while tossing the pasta.

  • Try swapping the fettuccine for other pasta shapes like trofie or caserecce to change up the mouthfeel and experience.

  • For a lighter, vegan-friendly version, replace the cream with a tablespoon of unsweetened almond milk and use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

  • The secret to a richer flavour is to gently fry the garlic over low heat until golden but not burnt, releasing its full aroma.

📦 Storage

  • Store any leftover fettuccine in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep fresh and tasty for up to two days.
  • To reheat, warm gently in a non-stick pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over a low heat to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  • Avoid freezing this dish, as the delicate texture of the courgettes and pasta can be compromised.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this dish with an Etna Bianco Superiore, whose crispness and minerality beautifully complement the summer vegetables. Alternatively, a Sicilian Grillo offers fruity notes and a pleasant acidity. If you fancy something from further afield, a Ligurian Vermentino or a Friulian Sauvignon Blanc will also highlight the lightness of the dish.

Making these fettuccine with courgettes and cherry tomatoes is like bringing a slice of Sicily right into your kitchen – simple, honest flavours that warm the heart. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go and share the joy with your loved ones. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to enjoy a dish that’s both comforting and full of sunshine. Do share your creations and spread a little Sicilian sunshine in your home!

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