Light Pasta Dishes For Late Spring
The gentle warmth of late spring melts into the bright promise of early summer, and our palates naturally crave lighter, more vibrant dishes. Pasta, a beloved Italian staple, transforms beautifully with the season's fresh bounty. Let Carluccio's help you explore some exquisite light pasta creations featuring the delightful shapes of bucatini, orecchiette, and trofie, perfect for this May!
Bucatini: Lemon-Kissed Bucatini with Asparagus and Peas
Imagine the satisfying slurp of bucatini – those wonderful thick strands with a hollow core – coated in a delicate, lemony sauce. This dish sings of springtime freshness. A generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base, gently sautéing tender asparagus spears until they’re just crisp-tender and sweet green peas until they burst with flavour. The bright zest and juice of fresh lemons are whisked in, creating a vibrant and light emulsion. A dollop of creamy ricotta, stirred through at the end, adds a touch of richness without heaviness. Fresh mint or basil, finely chopped, provides an aromatic lift. The hollow centre of the bucatini captures the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is a burst of flavour.
Orecchiette: Tomato, Basil, and Fresh Mozzarella Orecchiette
"Little ears," as orecchiette translates, are perfect for cradling simple yet vibrant sauces. Picture these charming pasta shapes tossed with ripe, sun-drenched cherry tomatoes that have been gently warmed in good extra virgin olive oil, releasing their sweet juices. Fragrant fresh basil leaves, torn by hand to preserve their aroma, mingle with creamy, milky mozzarella pearls. The warmth of the pasta gently softens the mozzarella, creating a luscious texture. A final flourish of extra virgin olive oil enhances the inherent flavours of the ingredients. This dish is the essence of Mediterranean simplicity, allowing the quality of each component to shine.
Trofie: Vibrant Pesto with Spring Vegetables and Trofie
Hailing from Liguria, the region that gifted us pesto, trofie's twisted shape is ideal for capturing the bright green sauce. Imagine these slender, hand-rolled-looking pasta pieces embraced by a vibrant pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and, of course, luscious extra virgin olive oil. Toss in a medley of lightly sautéed spring vegetables like tender zucchini ribbons, vibrant bell pepper strips, and sweet cherry tomatoes. The curves and nooks of the trofie hold onto the pesto beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with herbaceous flavour. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty counterpoint. This dish is a celebration of spring's bounty, elevated by the unique texture of trofie.
The Magic of Olive Oil: A Flavour Enhancer
Let's celebrate the role of good quality extra virgin olive oil in these light pasta dishes. Far from being something to avoid, it's a cornerstone of flavour and healthy fats. Its fruity notes and subtle peppery finish enhance the freshness of the vegetables and herbs, creating a well-rounded and delicious dish. When used thoughtfully, it contributes to the lightness and vibrancy of the meal, rather than weighing it down.
Embrace the fresh flavours of the season, don't shy away from the deliciousness of good olive oil, and savour these delightful light pasta creations! Buon appetito!
