Golden Zucchini & Crispy Bacon Pasta

This dish takes humble zucchini and turns it into a rich, velvety sauce with the help of roasted garlic, cream, and Parmesan. A touch of white wine adds brightness, while smoky, crispy bacon brings the perfect savory crunch. It’s comfort food with a fresh twist—hearty enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve guests.

4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 kg zucchini, chopped

• ½ dl white wine

• ½ dl heavy cream

• 1 vegetable stock cube

• 1–2 dl grated Parmesan

• 1 head of garlic

• 1 yellow onion, quartered

• 140 g bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)

• Olive oil

• Salt & black pepper

• Pasta of choice

Equipment

• Enameled Cast Iron Roasting Pan
• Enameled Cast Iron Dutch oven
• Nonstick Frying Pan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 200°C (400°F).

2. Roast the vegetables:

   • Place zucchini, onion, and a sprig of thyme in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil.

   • Slice the top off the garlic head, place it on foil or in a small Dutch oven, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap or cover.

   • Roast everything for about 40 minutes until tender and golden.

3. Prepare the sauce base:

   • Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins.

   • Add zucchini, onion, garlic, and 1 dl of water to a blender. Blend until smooth.

4. Simmer the sauce:

   • Transfer the blended mixture to a Dutch oven over medium heat.

   • Stir in the white wine, cream, and vegetable stock cube. Let simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Cook the bacon:

   • In a separate frying pan, sauté bacon until crispy and golden. Set aside a small portion for garnish.

6. Boil the pasta:

   • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a little pasta water.

7. Finish the sauce:

   • Stir bacon into the sauce.

   • Add Parmesan and fresh thyme to taste. Adjust with salt, pepper, and reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.

8. Serve:

   • Toss pasta with the zucchini sauce.

   • Top with the reserved crispy bacon, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of thyme.

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