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!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the red chili flakes and lemon zest, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their aromas.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 7

Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften but still hold their shape.

Step 8

Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed to taste.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the pasta. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the fresh herbs.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red chili flakes, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4014.9 grams (4014.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2662

Total Fat 120.50g	154%
Saturated Fat 56.40g	282%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 260mg	87%
Sodium 3554mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 309.40g	113%
Dietary Fiber 19.40g	69%
Total Sugars 6.60g
Protein 77.50g	155%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 914mg	70%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 1499mg	32%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.2%

Protein: 11.8%

Carbs: 47.0%