Recipe Information

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 500 g Caserecce pasta
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 balls of mozzarella, cut into chunks
• 2 to 3 pork sausages, casings removed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• A pinch of fleur de sel (or sea salt)
• A few basil leaves, for garnish
• 2 saffron threads
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in a few tablespoons of warm water to infuse.
3. In the meantime, finely chop the shallot.
4. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut it into half-moon slices about 2 mm thick.
5. Remove the sausage casings and set the sausage meat aside.
6. In a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat and sauté the chopped shallot until transparent.
7. Add the sausage meat to the pan and increase the heat, cooking for about 5 minutes until browned.
8. Stir in the zucchini and the saffron-infused water, cooking for another 2 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
9. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauce in the pan.
10. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing well to combine. Cook for 1 more minute over high heat.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with chunks of mozzarella and a few basil leaves.

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Recipe Tips

• Feel free to substitute the sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the shallots can enhance the flavors.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Nutritional Information

Approx: 450 calories per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape will work, but Caserecce is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce well.

Is there a substitute for saffron?

Turmeric can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be different.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or eggplant to enhance the dish.

How do I know when the pasta is cooked?

Pasta should be al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Check the package instructions for timing.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and combine it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.