Pici Pasta with Spinach, Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts

This delightful dish combines the robust flavors of fresh vegetables with the nutty aroma of pine nuts, creating a wholesome and savory meal. Pici pasta, a hand-rolled delicacy from Tuscany, provides a unique texture that beautifully mingles with sautéed spinach, zucchini, and tomatoes. The addition of toasted pine nuts adds a satisfying crunch, rounding off this dish with a rich and earthy touch. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a dinner that is both filling and healthy. Simple to make yet complex in flavor, this dish showcases the beauty of Mediterranean cooking. You’ll find it appealing both to the taste buds and the eyes, thanks to its vibrant colors and aromatic scents. This recipe is approachable for cooks of any skill level, requiring only a bit of preparation and some essential culinary techniques. Whether you're hosting friends or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, this pici pasta dish is bound to impress. It's versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of wines, enhancing its flavors even further.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

500g pici pasta
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 large zucchini, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Spices and Sauces

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Juice of half a lemon

Preparation Time

Total Time: 45 minutes (Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 30 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pici pasta and cook until al dente, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, add pine nuts. Stir frequently until they become fragrant and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes, if using, and sauté until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Cook the Zucchini: Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften.
Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate the Tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pici pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine ingredients.
Season the Pasta: Pour in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Garnish and Serve: Add the toasted pine nuts and give the pasta a final toss.
Plate the Dish: Serve the pasta hot with an optional garnish of grated cheese or extra chili flakes.

Tips

Substitutions: You can substitute pici pasta with spaghetti or linguine if unavailable.
Adding Protein: For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken breast or shrimp.
Herb Variations: Fresh basil or parsley can be added for an extra layer of freshness.

Nutritions

Calories: 350 per serving
Protein: 12g
Fats: 14g
Carbs: 45g

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Adaptation: Omit cheese garnish to keep this dish vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Side Dish: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements this meal beautifully.

Best Places

La Pasta Fresca - Known for their wide range of handmade pasta, this restaurant delivers a true Italian experience. Location: 51 Thurloe Street, London, United Kingdom.

Trattoria Mario - A family-run eatery serving traditional Tuscan dishes, including their famous pici pasta. Location: Via Rosina, 2/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.

Pastificio Guerra - Offers a taste of fresh pasta with rustic flavors in the heart of Rome. Location: Via della Croce, 8, 00187 Roma RM, Italy.

Rustichella d'Abruzzo - Specializing in artisanal pasta, it brings the rich culinary traditions of Abruzzo to your plate. Location: Via Casale, 30, 65010 Picciano PE, Italy.

Sfoglia Rina - Renowned for their handcrafted pasta dishes, this spot is a gem in Bologna. Location: Via Castiglione, 5/B, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy.

Emilia - Captures the essence of Northern Italian cuisine, elevating traditional dishes. Location: 233 Park Ave S, New York, USA.

Spaghetti House - Offers a vibrant atmosphere with delicious pasta creations. Location: 15 Goodge St, London, United Kingdom.

Pasta Bar - A sophisticated spot known for various pasta dishes with a twist. Location: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 25, Budapest, Hungary.

Osteria dei Centopoveri - Provides authentic Tuscan flavors with a cozy ambiance. Location: Via Palazzuolo, 31r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.

Pasta e Basta - Combines pasta mastery with live music for an unforgettable dining experience. Location: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8, 1017 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands.