Indulge in a delightful taste of Italy with our vibrant "Cellentani con Fave Fresche," a dish that beautifully marries the unique shape of cellentani pasta with the fresh, earthy flavors of fava beans. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is not only simple but also packed with nutrition and flavor. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can create a stunning dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Are you ready to elevate your pasta game? Dive into our recipe and discover the secrets to making this Italian classic come alive on your plate!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz cellentani pasta
- 2 cups fresh fava beans
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the fresh fava beans from their pods by splitting open the fuzzy green shells and carefully extracting the beans.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare an ice bath in a separate bowl for blanching the fava beans.
- Add the fresh fava beans to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender.
- Immediately transfer the blanched fava beans to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and texture.
- Once cooled, gently squeeze each fava bean to remove the outer pale skin, revealing the bright green inner bean.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the peeled fava beans to the skillet and sauté gently for 3-4 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In another pot, cook the cellentani pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the cellentani.
- Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet with fava beans and garlic, tossing to combine.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to ensure even distribution.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with additional Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Fresh Fava Beans: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh fava beans when they're in season. If fresh ones are unavailable, you can substitute with frozen fava beans, but the taste may vary slightly.
- Blanching Technique: Blanching the fava beans not only enhances their vibrant green color but also helps to soften their texture. Don’t skip the ice bath—this step is crucial for preserving their freshness.
- Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the cellentani pasta until al dente for the perfect bite. Reserve some pasta cooking water; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency without adding extra oil.
- Garlic Flavor: Be careful not to overcook the garlic. Sauté it just until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste, which can overpower the dish.
- Cheese Variations: While Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful richness, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve the pasta with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint to enhance the dish's freshness.Enjoy your culinary adventure with "Cellentani con Fave Fresche" and impress your friends and family with this delicious Italian delight!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 535kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
