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The Tiny Italian

Recipes

Courgette pistachio pesto pasta salad x Garofalo

It’s coming up to the end of May and summer hasn’t made an appearance. However, I’m not letting the weather dictate my mood or what I cook up in my little Peckham kitchen. At this time of year, many of my favourite ingredients are in season. Aubergines, courgettes, tomatoes. That real Meditteranean vibe. So I love to cook up my favourite recipes inspired by my beloved Puglia.

Usually, over the next few months, picnics, BBQs and other alfresco social events would normally happen. So when creating a mouth-watering spread for my guests, a good pasta salad doesn’t go a miss. There is nothing better than a pasta salad to graze on over and over again.

This courgette pasta salad is inspired by a dish enjoyed one late night in Puglia in my friends Valentina’s garden. A creamy courgette sauce, flavoured with mint and pistachios. Just dreamy!

Garofalo

When it comes to the perfect pasta salad, the pasta is just as important as the other ingredients.

  • Choose a shape that is short rather than long, and isn’t too dense. For this recipe, I am using Casarecce, a southern Italian short shape with a slight twist. However, other popular pasta salad shapes include ‘fusilli, ‘farfalle’ or ‘penne’.
  • It’s worth spending a few more pennies on a good quality pasta such as Garofalo. Pasta made with high-quality semolina, helps to retain starch, hold its shape and give that perfect ‘al dente’ texture, perfect for a pasta salad.
  • Garofalo pasta is bronze-died, which gives the pasta a rough, porous surface making it perfect for sauces to bind and cling on to.
  • You can buy Garofalo pasta at Amazon, Ocado and Italian food shops.

So whether you’re looking for a quick delicious summer pasta dish or sexy healthy salad for an alfresco spread to share with friends and family, give this courgette pasta salad recipe a go.

Enjoy my bambinos!!

For the full recipe video, head here.

Courgette pasta salad with prawns and tomatoes using Garofalo pasta
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Courgette pistachio pasta salad ( 4/6 people)

  • Olive oil

  • 200g raw peeled prawns

  • Juice of half a lemon

  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 courgettes, chopped into 3 cm chunks

  • 16 cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 250g Garofalo casarecce pasta

  • 30g Parmiggiano Reggiano, grated

  • 3 tbsp shelled pistachio, chopped

  • Handful of fresh mint, chopped

  • Sea salt

  • Fresh black pepper

  • Extra virgin olive oil

PrintPrint

Directions

  • Bring a pasta pan of water to the boil
  • In the meantime, fry 1 chopped clove of garlic in 1 tbsp of olive oil on a low heat for 1 minute. Then add in the prawns, along with the lemon juice. Cook the prawns, until they turn from grey to pink. Set aside the cooked prawns with the juices.
  • Next, heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil on a low heat and gently fry the chopped onion and leftover garlic with a little pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes. Then add the courgette and half of the cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Coat the vegetables well in the olive oil and onion/garlic. Cook until they have softened.
  • When the pan of water has come to the boil, season it generously with sea salt. Cook the pasta ‘al dente’ – as long as instructed on the packet of pasta. Before draining the pasta, reserve a few tablespoons of pasta water.
  • When the courgette and tomato have softened, place all the cooked ingredients into a blender with a couple of tablespoons of the pasta water and blitz until you have created a thick creamy consistency.
  • Place the drained pasta into a salad bowl, pour the courgette sauce on top and add the cooked prawns, the rest of the cherry tomatoes, Parmiggiano Reggiano and chopped pistachios. Stir all the ingredients together until the pasta is well coated. Finish the salad with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and chopped mint. Serve warm or at room temperature.

**This recipe is a paid collaboration with Garofalo pasta.

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TAGS:courgette pastacourgette pestoitalian past saladpasta saladpicnic salad
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The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola, I'm a self care cookery teacher and Italian food expert cook and teacher. I'm the founder of The Tiny Italian and the best online self care cookery school on the planet. I help busy people inject balance into their hectic lifestyle by transforming their cooking mindset. I open their eyes that cooking is a fun delicious form of self care rather than a dreaded chore.

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Ciao, I’m Paola
Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola, I'm a self care cookery teacher and Italian food expert cook and teacher. I'm the founder of The Tiny Italian and the best online self care cookery school on the planet. I help busy people inject balance into their hectic lifestyle by transforming their cooking mindset. I open their eyes that cooking is a fun delicious form of self care rather than a dreaded chore.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your email sign up. Email paola@thetinyitalian.com if you don't receive your confirmation.

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Recent Posts

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    25th August 2023
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    10th August 2023
Unlock the true essence of self-care through mindful cooking habits! 
Let’s break down the cooking habits that hinder our well-being:
1️⃣ Rushing Through Meal Prep:
Quick fixes may seem like a good idea, but they rob you of the therapeutic benefits of cooking. Take your time, relish the process, and let the stress melt away. Your body deserves the goodness, and so does your soul.
2️⃣ Skipping Meals or Eating on the Go:
Grab-and-go meals might save time, but they sacrifice the pleasure of a sit-down feast. Your body craves attention, and it’s time to honor that. Slow down, savour each bite, and reconnect with the simple joy of eating.
3️⃣ Multitasking During Cooking:
Juggling tasks while cooking can lead to distraction and a loss of the mindful connection to your culinary creation. Turn off the notifications, put away the gadgets, and let the kitchen be your sanctuary. It’s not just about the meal; it’s about the experience.
4️⃣ Neglecting Variety in the Diet:
Culinary monotony is a joy thief! Your taste buds crave excitement, and your body thrives on diverse nutrients. Break free from the recipe rut, explore new flavours, and turn your kitchen into a playground of culinary delights.
5️⃣ Not Cleaning as You Cook:
🧽 A cluttered kitchen is a cluttered mind. Don’t let the aftermath steal the magic of your meal. Embrace the serenity of a clean, organised space. Trust us; it’s a game-changer for both your well-being and the post-feast relaxation.
Let me know in the comments if you can relate to any of these habits. If so, I can help you make the changes you need to embrace delicious self-care
#cookwithlove #cookinghabits #priortiseyourself
thetinyitalian
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Unlock the true essence of self-care through mindful cooking habits! Let’s break down the cooking habits that hinder our well-being: 1️⃣ Rushing Through Meal Prep: Quick fixes may seem like a good idea, but they rob you of the therapeutic benefits of cooking. Take your time, relish the process, and let the stress melt away. Your body deserves the goodness, and so does your soul. 2️⃣ Skipping Meals or Eating on the Go: Grab-and-go meals might save time, but they sacrifice the pleasure of a sit-down feast. Your body craves attention, and it’s time to honor that. Slow down, savour each bite, and reconnect with the simple joy of eating. 3️⃣ Multitasking During Cooking: Juggling tasks while cooking can lead to distraction and a loss of the mindful connection to your culinary creation. Turn off the notifications, put away the gadgets, and let the kitchen be your sanctuary. It’s not just about the meal; it’s about the experience. 4️⃣ Neglecting Variety in the Diet: Culinary monotony is a joy thief! Your taste buds crave excitement, and your body thrives on diverse nutrients. Break free from the recipe rut, explore new flavours, and turn your kitchen into a playground of culinary delights. 5️⃣ Not Cleaning as You Cook: 🧽 A cluttered kitchen is a cluttered mind. Don’t let the aftermath steal the magic of your meal. Embrace the serenity of a clean, organised space. Trust us; it’s a game-changer for both your well-being and the post-feast relaxation. Let me know in the comments if you can relate to any of these habits. If so, I can help you make the changes you need to embrace delicious self-care #cookwithlove #cookinghabits #priortiseyourself
2 days ago
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Love yourself this winter with this easy, feel-good recipe by @thetinyitalian - Sausage pumpkin stuffed Conchiglioni by @garofalopastauk.
Baked pasta dishes can be so comforting at this time of year, & when life gets hectic, there is something so special about taking a pause and cooking yourself a meal with love.
This is the perfect dish to cook for loved ones this season. So sit back and watch those memories created.
* 300g pumpkin peeled, sliced and diced
* 1 onion, diced
* 250g Garofalo Conchiglioni (large pasta shells)
* 300g sausage, skinned
* 1 tbsp fresh sage or/and rosemary, chopped
* 50g grated parmesan
* 80ml white wine
* Grated nutmeg
* Balsamic vinegar
* 50g butter
* 50g plain flour
* 700ml vegetable stock
* Sea salt
* Black Pepper
* Olive oil
1. First, drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil into a large frying pan. Add the onions and gently fry until softened.
2. Add the herbs and cook with the onions for a 2 minutes.
3. Next, crumble in the sausage meat, and pour in the white wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Add the pumpkin. Season with salt & pepper, add a pinch of nutmeg, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Stir together and cover the pan for 15-20 mins until the pumpkin softens. 
5. Wilt your spinach, squeeze out any excess liquid, then chop it.
6. When the sausage mixture has finished cooking, add 2 tbsp of parmesan and the spinach. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Season generously boiling water add and par-boil your Conchiglioni and drain.
8. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter into a saucepan followed by the flour and stir until you have created a thick roux.
9. Slowly add the stock into the roux, making sure you whisk out any lumps.
10. When all the stock has been added, keep stirring and bring gently to a boil until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Lightly coat a large baking dish with the white sauce.
12. Pre-heat the oven 190c.
13. When the pasta has cooled down, stuff the shells with the sausage mixture. Place directly into the baking dish
14. When finish stuffing the pasta shells, pour the sauce and sprinkle parmesan on top
15. Place in the oven at 190c. Serve immediately
#cookwithlove
thetinyitalian
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Love yourself this winter with this easy, feel-good recipe by @thetinyitalian - Sausage pumpkin stuffed Conchiglioni by @garofalopastauk. Baked pasta dishes can be so comforting at this time of year, & when life gets hectic, there is something so special about taking a pause and cooking yourself a meal with love. This is the perfect dish to cook for loved ones this season. So sit back and watch those memories created. * 300g pumpkin peeled, sliced and diced * 1 onion, diced * 250g Garofalo Conchiglioni (large pasta shells) * 300g sausage, skinned * 1 tbsp fresh sage or/and rosemary, chopped * 50g grated parmesan * 80ml white wine * Grated nutmeg * Balsamic vinegar * 50g butter * 50g plain flour * 700ml vegetable stock * Sea salt * Black Pepper * Olive oil 1. First, drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil into a large frying pan. Add the onions and gently fry until softened. 2. Add the herbs and cook with the onions for a 2 minutes. 3. Next, crumble in the sausage meat, and pour in the white wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. 4. Add the pumpkin. Season with salt & pepper, add a pinch of nutmeg, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Stir together and cover the pan for 15-20 mins until the pumpkin softens. 5. Wilt your spinach, squeeze out any excess liquid, then chop it. 6. When the sausage mixture has finished cooking, add 2 tbsp of parmesan and the spinach. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. 7. Season generously boiling water add and par-boil your Conchiglioni and drain. 8. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter into a saucepan followed by the flour and stir until you have created a thick roux. 9. Slowly add the stock into the roux, making sure you whisk out any lumps. 10. When all the stock has been added, keep stirring and bring gently to a boil until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. 11. Lightly coat a large baking dish with the white sauce. 12. Pre-heat the oven 190c. 13. When the pasta has cooled down, stuff the shells with the sausage mixture. Place directly into the baking dish 14. When finish stuffing the pasta shells, pour the sauce and sprinkle parmesan on top 15. Place in the oven at 190c. Serve immediately #cookwithlove
6 days ago
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How often do you carve out time:
- To disconnect from work and stressful jobs?
- For self-care that truly nurtures your well-being?
- To do things that bring you pure joy?
Life has this funny way of feeling harder when we’re tired and neglecting ourselves.
It might sound straightforward, but when life feels like a rollercoaster, finding that balance isn’t always easy.
Until November 30th, I’m offering you a chance to join the SELF-LOVE COOKING CLUB for free, using the code: FREESELFLOVE (valid for the monthly membership only).
Yes, you read that right—FREE.
A 1-month free trial (in December), no strings attached.
This unique online self-care cooking membership includes up to 60-minute live online cook-alongs, a vibrant group community hub, and a library of over 200 recipes.
More than just cooking, it’s a promise to yourself:
✨ To make time for YOU.
✨ To actively disconnect from work.
✨ To learn easy, feel-good, healthy Italian meals.
✨ To prioritise self-care and well-being.
Deciding to step out of your comfort zone can be challenging, but those uncomfortable moments often lead to amazing transformations.
Ready to embark on a journey to a happier, healthier you?
Head to the link in my bio 
#cookwithlove #priortiseyourself #eatbetterfeelbetter
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
How often do you carve out time: - To disconnect from work and stressful jobs? - For self-care that truly nurtures your well-being? - To do things that bring you pure joy? Life has this funny way of feeling harder when we’re tired and neglecting ourselves. It might sound straightforward, but when life feels like a rollercoaster, finding that balance isn’t always easy. Until November 30th, I’m offering you a chance to join the SELF-LOVE COOKING CLUB for free, using the code: FREESELFLOVE (valid for the monthly membership only). Yes, you read that right—FREE. A 1-month free trial (in December), no strings attached. This unique online self-care cooking membership includes up to 60-minute live online cook-alongs, a vibrant group community hub, and a library of over 200 recipes. More than just cooking, it’s a promise to yourself: ✨ To make time for YOU. ✨ To actively disconnect from work. ✨ To learn easy, feel-good, healthy Italian meals. ✨ To prioritise self-care and well-being. Deciding to step out of your comfort zone can be challenging, but those uncomfortable moments often lead to amazing transformations. Ready to embark on a journey to a happier, healthier you? Head to the link in my bio #cookwithlove #priortiseyourself #eatbetterfeelbetter
7 days ago
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A little reminder before offer ends on the 30th November. Use code: FREESELFLOVE. LINK IN BIO. 
#communitylove #cookwithlove #selfcare
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A little reminder before offer ends on the 30th November. Use code: FREESELFLOVE. LINK IN BIO. #communitylove #cookwithlove #selfcare
1 week ago
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4/5
Cooking is an expression of LOVE. Something I have experienced first hand so many times but it wasn’t always like that. I used to spend so much time at work that cooking used to be something I had to do, rather than something I actively used to do for my well-being. 
Italians believe that one of the greatest loves is the love you put in your cooking. Whether that’s for your own food or for others. 
Unlocking a positive cooking mindset makes it easier to infuse passion into the cooking process. Creating meal becomes a form of self-love and love for others.  Those days of cooking feeling like an everyday chore starts to fade.
The SELF-LOVE COOKING CLUB is all about helping busy overworked women to understand and experience cooking with love for themselves.
This unique self-care cooking membership is set up so that you can carve that time on your diary to make time for yourself, disconnect from work and learn to cook dishes that will fill you with love and goodness. 
Up until the 30th November, I am offering a one month free trial to any woman who wants to grab an opportunity to experience cooking in a positive light. 
3 live online cooks longs (up to 60 mins) that you can experience from the comfort of your own kitchen throughout December for FREE.
Sign up to the monthly membership (link in my bio) with code: FREESELFLOVE to grab this amazing opportunity. After that month you cancel your membership at any time. No strings attached. 
First session is this Saturday 2nd Dec, 11am. 
I’ll see you in there.
#cookwithlove #italiancooking #selfcarefirst
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Cooking is an expression of LOVE. Something I have experienced first hand so many times but it wasn’t always like that. I used to spend so much time at work that cooking used to be something I had to do, rather than something I actively used to do for my well-being. Italians believe that one of the greatest loves is the love you put in your cooking. Whether that’s for your own food or for others. Unlocking a positive cooking mindset makes it easier to infuse passion into the cooking process. Creating meal becomes a form of self-love and love for others. Those days of cooking feeling like an everyday chore starts to fade. The SELF-LOVE COOKING CLUB is all about helping busy overworked women to understand and experience cooking with love for themselves. This unique self-care cooking membership is set up so that you can carve that time on your diary to make time for yourself, disconnect from work and learn to cook dishes that will fill you with love and goodness. Up until the 30th November, I am offering a one month free trial to any woman who wants to grab an opportunity to experience cooking in a positive light. 3 live online cooks longs (up to 60 mins) that you can experience from the comfort of your own kitchen throughout December for FREE. Sign up to the monthly membership (link in my bio) with code: FREESELFLOVE to grab this amazing opportunity. After that month you cancel your membership at any time. No strings attached. First session is this Saturday 2nd Dec, 11am. I’ll see you in there. #cookwithlove #italiancooking #selfcarefirst
1 week ago
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5/5
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