Zippy Zia
Turn up the flavor with "Zippy Zia," a vibrant and creamy penne pasta dish that’s bursting with zesty lemon, rich Parmesan, and a spicy kick of red chili flakes. Perfect for busy weeknights or an indulgent dinner, this recipe pairs al dente pasta with a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce, brightened by fresh cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, "Zippy Zia" strikes the ultimate balance between comfort food and a gourmet twist. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chili flakes for a crowd-pleasing touch that’s sure to impress. Try this easy-to-make pasta recipe today, and savor every flavorful bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 200 milliliters heavy cream
- 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 250 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 liters water
Instructions
Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the red chili flakes and lemon zest, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their aromas.
Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften but still hold their shape.
Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the pasta. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the fresh herbs.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red chili flakes, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
473 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.2 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.1 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 796 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.2 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 270 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 364 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
