Pasta with scrimps, courgettes and zaffron (penne ai gamberi, zucchine e zafferano dell'Aquila)

Here is a practical version of this recipe, organized to make preparation easier.

A clear recipe guide based only on the available ingredients, quantities, and method.

Ingredients

250gr of short Italian pasta (penne, fusilli, farfalle): Use the quantity shown in the ingredient list.
250gr frozen, or 350 of fresh, peeled and cleaned scrimps: Use the quantity shown in the ingredient list.
1 medium courgette: Use the quantity shown in the ingredient list.
1 medium onion: Use the quantity shown in the ingredient list.
3-4 Tbs of extra virgin olive oil: Use the quantity shown in the ingredient list.
few zaffron threads (or 1 small sachet of zaffron powder ): Use the quantity shown in the ingredient list.
salt and pepper to taste: Use the quantity shown in the ingredient list.
2lt of salted boiling water: Use the quantity shown in the ingredient list.

Step 1 If possible take the frozen scrimps out of the freezer several hours before the use, or defrost in the microwave. If you are using fresh scrimps peel and clean them.
Step 2 Clean and cut the corgette in small pieces, finely cut the onions.
Step 3 Warm up a little water , place the zaffron threads in a small cup, add the warm water and let them soak few minutes. The water will get yellow. You do not need to do this if you use zaffron powder.
Step 4 Bring to a boil 2 liters of water, add 1and tbs of coarse salt.
Step 5 Pour the olive oil in a large pan on a medium heat, when ot add the onion, fry till onion gets transparent then add the courgette. Cook for a 5-6 minutes, stirring from time to time.
Step 6 In the meanwhile cook the pasta in the boiling water, following the cooking directions described in your pasta package. Attention : cook your pasta very "al dente" (it will cook few additional minutes in the sauce!!)
Step 7 Add the scrimps and the zaffron with his yellow water. Cook fro 3-4 additional minutes.
Step 8 Drain the pasta and pour it in the scrimps sauce pan, cook 3 additional minutes stirring well. add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9 Your pasta is ready! Serve warm with a sprinkle of finely cut parsley and a nice glass of Italian dry wine... buon appetito!