Today we want to prepare something different, cheerful and lively, perfect to give a touch of vitality to dinner time, especially if the winter is finally giving way to spring and bringing with it the improved mood that always characterizes the arrival of the milder season. So we suggest an excellent mixture of saffron, courgettes and prawns, all beautifully fresh, with pappardelle pasta: combining these simple but tasty ingredients we get a truly remarkable dish. To give a touch more refinement and elegance to our recipe we add some freshly squeezed orange juice that helps to emphasize the crunchiness of the courgette, making it an excellent standby dinner to welcome the arrival of summer and dinner parties with friends. Are you ready to follow our recipe and serve up this delicious dish, so quick and easy to prepare?
* approximate values per serving
Squeeze the juice from half an orange. Melt a little butter in a frying pan. Sauté the garlic in some butter, then remove from pan. Sauté the prawns in the garlic flavoured butter. Put the pasta on to cook. Cut the courgettes into matchsticks and fry for a short time in the pan along with the prawns. Add a dash of orange juice and continue cooking. Add a teaspoon of mascarpone and let it melt. Add the saffron and a little hot water to melt the saffron and make a sauce. Add the pasta to the sauce in the frying pan and mix thoroughly. Your lovely and colourful main course dish is ready!
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Melt a little butter in a frying pan
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Gently fry the garlic in some butter, and then remove from the pan
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Cook the prawns in the flavoured butter
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Put the pasta on to cook
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Cut the courgettes into matchsticks and fry for a short time in the pan along with the prawns.
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Add a dash of orange juice and continue cooking
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Add a teaspoon of mascarpone and heat until it melts
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Add the saffron
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Add a little hot water in order to melt the saffron and to make a sauce
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Add the pasta to the sauce in the frying pan
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Here is your pasta dish, all creamy and colourful!
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A delicious variant of creamy pappardelle with saffron, zucchini, and shrimp is definitely the baked version. In this preparation, after cooking the pappardelle and mixing the ingredients with mascarpone and saffron, everything can be transferred to a baking dish and sprinkled with a bit of breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Baking at 180°C for about 20 minutes will yield a golden crust that makes the dish even more inviting. This baked version is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, bringing a touch of originality to an already flavorful dish.
In Campania, the culinary tradition offers various versions of creamy pappardelle with saffron, zucchini, and shrimp. One of the most appreciated is the one that includes fresh cherry tomatoes, which add a touch of acidity and freshness to the dish. Additionally, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley can be added to enhance the flavors. This Campanian preparation pairs perfectly with the aroma of the sea and the sweetness of zucchini, creating a perfect balance between the ingredients. It is an ideal dish for those who wish to savor the authentic flavors of Southern Italy.
For those who desire a lighter version of creamy pappardelle with saffron, zucchini, and shrimp, it is possible to use vegetable cream instead of mascarpone. This substitution reduces the caloric content while still maintaining a pleasant creaminess. Additionally, one can opt for whole wheat pappardelle, which provide more fiber and nutrients. By also reducing the amount of butter used in the preparation, a tasty yet healthier dish can be achieved, perfect for those following a balanced diet without giving up the pleasure of good cooking.
Zucchini is a key ingredient in creamy pappardelle with saffron, zucchini, and shrimp, not only for its delicate flavor but also for the numerous nutritional benefits it offers. Rich in water, vitamins, and minerals, zucchini helps maintain hydration and provides a very low caloric intake, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. They also contain antioxidants, which combat free radicals and promote skin health. On average, 100 grams of zucchini provide only 17 calories, making them an excellent choice to enrich dishes without weighing them down.
The answer is yes, but with some precautions. Creamy pappardelle with saffron, zucchini, and shrimp can be frozen, but it is advisable to do so before adding the mascarpone and sauce. This way, you avoid the cream becoming grainy upon thawing. Once cooked and cooled, the pappardelle can be transferred to an airtight container and frozen for up to three months. When you wish to consume them, you can thaw them in the refrigerator and then reheat them in a pan with a bit of water or broth to restore the creaminess of the dish.