Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese
Aug 04, 2023, Updated Jan 10, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese– Indulge in the ultimate Italian-inspired irresistible Cheesy Baked Fregola Sarda Pasta! I created this recipe at our beach home in Sardegna; everyone gave it five stars! I know you will love it too.
Serve with Baked Chicken Recipe.
This flavor-packed dish takes you on a tantalizing journey to the sun-kissed shores of Sardegna, where each mouthful unveils a harmonious blend of tender zucchini, perfectly cooked Fregola Sarda pearls, and a medley of melted cheeses. You will love this vibrant, creamy, and cheesy flavor leave you craving more.
If you want more Italian recipes, you will also love this Carne Alla Pizzaiola!
Table of Contents
- What is Fregola Sarda?
- Simple Ingredients
- How to Make Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese (Step-by-Step Photos)
- Substitutions For Fregola
- Variations
- How to Store Leftovers
- Top tips
- FAQ
- More Recipes
- What to Serve with Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese
- Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese Recipe
What is Fregola Sarda?
Fregola Sarda (or Fregula Sarda) is a traditional Italian pasta that hails from the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean (where I was born and raised!). Often referred to as “pearl pasta,” Fregola Sarda is made from durum wheat semolina flour dough that is rolled into tiny balls and then toasted in a wood-burning oven, giving it a slightly nutty flavor and unique chewy texture.
You will also enjoy this Fregola Salad with Cauliflower Recipe!
The production process is labor-intensive, as each pearl is individually hand-rolled, contributing to its distinctive appearance and mouthfeel. Fregola Sarda is similar to Israeli couscous but has a larger and more irregular shape, resembling tiny beads.
Fregola Sarda’s origin on the island of Sardinia adds to its allure, representing a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. You will love this wonderful little pasta shape.
Simple Ingredients
- Fregola Sarda pasta (you can find Rustichella D’abruzzo at most United States grocery stores)
- Zucchini
- Onion
- Garlic
- Pecorino or parmigiano cheese (parmesan cheese)
- Provolone cheese
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
How to Make Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese (Step-by-Step Photos)
Here are the simple instructions to make Fregola with zucchini.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large oven-safe baking dish (13×9) with cooking spray and set aside.
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onions become translucent.
Add the diced zucchini and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they soften slightly.
Cook the Fregola Sarda pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches the “al dente” stage. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Stir in basil leaves and turn off the heat—season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the pasta water and cooked fregola pasta to the pan with zucchini and onion. Stir to combine.
Layer half of the fregola and zucchini in the prepared baking dish.
Top with half of the pecorino and layer half of the sliced cheese on top of the first layer.
Repeat with remaining fregola and reaming cheeses.
Last layer of cheese before baking.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot! Enjoy.
Substitutions For Fregola
If you don’t have access to Fregola Sarda, you can try these substitutions:
- Israeli Couscous: Israeli couscous is similar in size and texture to Fregola Sarda, and it’s a great alternative for this recipe.
- Pearl Couscous: Also known as Moghrabieh, pearl couscous has larger granules than traditional couscous, making it a suitable replacement.
- Orzo: a rice-shaped pasta. While the texture is slightly different, it will still work well in the dish.
- Acini di Pepe: These tiny pasta shapes, commonly used in soups, make a great substitute for Fregola Sarda in this recipe.
Adjust the cooking time and follow the package instructions when using these substitutes, as they might vary slightly in preparation.
Variations
Fregola Sarda is a versatile pasta you can use for many recipes. Here are some delightful variations to try:
- Fregola Sarda Salad: Cook the Fregola Sarda until al dente and let it cool. Toss it with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a lemon zest herb vinaigrette for a refreshing and colorful salad.
- Fregola Sarda with Seafood: Create a tantalizing seafood dish by sautéing shrimp, scallops, or a seafood mix with garlic and olive oil. Add cooked Fregola Sarda and a splash of white wine. Simmer until the seafood is cooked and serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Fregola Sarda with Pesto: Toss-cooked Fregola Sarda with your favorite pesto sauce. You can use traditional basil pesto or experiment with sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto for a burst of vibrant flavors.
- Fregola Sarda with Roasted Vegetables: Roast an assortment of vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, red onions, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Mix them with cooked Fregola Sarda and top with crumbled goat cheese for a hearty and wholesome vegetarian delight.
- Fregola Sarda Soup: Cook Fregola Sarda in a flavorful vegetable or chicken broth with diced carrots, celery, and onions. Add some cooked chicken or sausage for extra heartiness. Season with herbs like thyme and rosemary, and enjoy a comforting bowl of Fregola Sarda soup.
- Fregola Sarda Risotto: Prepare a risotto-style dish with Fregola Sarda by slowly adding warm vegetable or chicken broth to the pasta while stirring frequently. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a knob of butter for a creamy and decadent meal.
- Fregola Sarda with Ratatouille: Combine the flavors of Italy and France by pairing Fregola Sarda with a classic Ratatouille. Cook diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes with garlic and herbs, then fold them into the cooked pasta.
Its unique texture and ability to absorb various delicious flavors is perfect for many dishes.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover baked Fregola Sarda with Zucchini, cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the zucchini won’t taste the same after thawing.
Top tips
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil plays a significant role in Italian cuisine, using good-quality extra-virgin olive oil will elevate the flavors of this dish. Look for fruity and robust olive oil that can withstand baking and impart a rich taste to the fregola and zucchini.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon Zest: Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or mint over the baked fregola for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color. Additionally, grate some lemon zest over the top to brighten the dish and balance the richness of the ingredients.
FAQ
Fregola and couscous are not the same. Fregola is a type of pasta from Sardinia made from toasted semolina dough, resulting in small, round grains. Conversely, Couscous is a grain-based dish made from crushed durum wheat semolina that is steamed, creating tiny granules. While they appear similar, their production methods, texture, and flavors differ.
To cook Fregola Sarda, boil a pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until al dente. Drain the cooked fregola and use it in various recipes, such as soups, salads, or as a side dish.
Fregola Sarda is a traditional Sardinian pasta made from semolina dough, water, and salt. The pasta is shaped into small, round balls, similar to couscous, and then toasted in the oven to achieve a slightly nutty flavor and golden color.
This delightful pasta is versatile and can be used in various dishes, from soups and stews to salads and main courses. Its porous texture allows it to absorb the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with, making it an excellent choice for hearty and flavorful dishes.
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
What to Serve with Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese
These are my favorite dishes to serve with :
Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese
Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese– Indulge in the ultimate Italian-inspired delight with our irresistible Baked Fregola Sarda Pasta with Zucchini and Cheese!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 grams Fregola Sarda Pasta or this Fregola Sarda Pasta
- 5 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups pecorino cheese or parmigiano cheese, freshly grated
- 10 slices provolone cheese mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 6 basil leaves, torn into pieces
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large oven-safe baking dish (13×9) with cooking spray and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Add the diced zucchini and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they soften slightly. Stir in basil leaves and turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Fregola Sarda pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches the “al dente” stage. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Add the pasta water and cooked fregola pasta to the pan with zucchini and onion. Stir to combine.
- Layer half of the fregola and zucchini in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the pecorino and layer half of the sliced cheese on top of the first layer. Repeat with remaining fregola and reaming cheeses.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot! Enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
You mentioned this recipe could be made ahead. Is it baked and then reheated or assembled and baked later?
Best if assembled and then baked later.
Please clarify: I notice you mention adding the minced garlic twice(in step one when adding the onion and in step two when adding the zucchini).
Thank you
Hi! Add with the zucchini.
I took pasta fregula sarda with me on my vacation in Tellaro. Today I tried the recipe, it’s delicious! Will definitely do it again!
Yay! Happy you loved it!
Thank you for the wonderful recipe. I think I needed more garlic, onion, and basil.
This is a simple and delicious recipe! Will definitely make it again…and again!
Yay! So happy you loved it!
Can this be mad ahead? It looks amazing!
Yes! Keep in fridge add a little more liquid in baking dish before baking if it looks a little dry. Then bake when ready.
I am a big fan of Fregola. This recipe is easy. The simplicity of the recipe results in perfection. Quality ingredients and a perfect pasta results in a fantastic side or main. Use your summer zucchini now!
Yay! So happy you loved it!
Absolutely delicious!!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. We loved it. Will make it again for sure.
Thank you! Happy you loved it.
My husband is from Rome, Italy & he devoured this Sarda pasta! I am on a soft food diet and this is way better than mashed potatoes & applesauce:) Cant wait to make it again.
I agree- much better ;). I hope you can try many more yummy recipes.