Whole Wheat Pasta with Mushrooms, Zucchini, and Ricotta

This delightful dish combines whole wheat pasta with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and zucchini, complemented by the creamy texture of ricotta cheese. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this recipe embraces the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients to deliver a nourishing and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

240 g whole wheat pasta
30 ml grape seed oil
200 g organic mushrooms (such as button or cremini)
250 g organic zucchini
250 g ricotta cheese
30 g Grana Padano cheese

Spices and Aromatics

2 cloves garlic
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley (to taste and availability)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
(Preparation: 10 minutes, Cooking: 15 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Begin by washing and slicing the mushrooms in half or into quarters, depending on their size. Cut the zucchini into small pieces. Mince the garlic and chop the herbs.
Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a ladle of pasta water before draining.
Sauté Mushrooms: In a large pan, heat the grape seed oil over high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to brown and release their moisture.
Add Zucchini and Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add the zucchini, minced garlic, and a handful of your chosen fresh herbs. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate Ricotta: Add the ricotta cheese to the pan along with a ladle of the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer slightly.
Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Turn the heat to high for a final quick simmer.
Mix Pasta with Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the pan with the sauce. Mix everything well, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy mixture.
Final Touches and Serve: Allow the pasta and sauce to cook together for another minute to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle the grated Grana Padano cheese over the top before serving.
Serve: Plate the pasta, topping it with additional herbs and cheese if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Tips

Substitutions: If grape seed oil is unavailable, use olive oil as an alternative.
Herbs: Feel free to mix and match herbs to tailor the flavor to your preference.
Pasta Water: Adding pasta water to the sauce helps thicken it and enhances the flavor.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~450
Protein: 20 g
Fats: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g

Variations

Vegetarian Options: Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Vegan: Substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh green salad or a slice of whole grain bread to enhance the meal.
Garnish with additional chopped herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Best Places

Mushroom Bistrot - Celebrated for their creative takes on mushroom dishes.
Location: 12 Rue de la Liberté, Paris, France.
Ricotta Dreams Café - Known for its artisanal ricotta creations.
Location: 48 Giardino Italia, Rome, Italy.
Herb’s Haven - A farm-to-table restaurant highlighting fresh herbs.
Location: 22 Vine Street, London, UK.
Pasta Perfecto - Offers a variety of unique pasta dishes.
Location: 15 Pasta Plaza, Bologna, Italy.
Zucchini Zing - Renowned for zucchini-based dishes.
Location: 7 Greenway Lane, Sydney, Australia.
Gourmet's Delight - Delivers a delectable fusion of local flavors.
Location: 33 Culinary Avenue, New York, USA.
Harvest Home Kitchen - Famous for fresh, organic meals.
Location: 5 Orchard Road, Vancouver, Canada.
Med-Terra Cafe - Emphasizes Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients.
Location: 20 Sea Breeze Street, Barcelona, Spain.
Fresh Market Eatery - Offers dishes with farm-fresh produce.
Location: 10 Green Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
Zesty Zucchini - Specializes in seasonal vegetable delights.
Location: 1 Veggie Boulevard, Wellington, New Zealand.

Enjoy recreating this vibrant dish, and perhaps find inspiration to travel and try these exciting culinary spots around the world!