Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of vibrant, fresh pasta that's not just delicious, but also secretly sneaks in extra vegetables and bursts with incredible flavor. This Zucchini and Pesto Pasta is your ticket to a quick, mouthwatering meal that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant but takes just 25 minutes to prepare. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves incredible taste, this recipe will become your new go-to dinner solution that impresses both your taste buds and your dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and spiralize the zucchinis using a spiralizer, creating long, noodle-like strands. Set aside.
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by ensuring it is at room temperature. If using store-bought pesto, stir it to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
- In a large skillet, combine the cooked pasta and spiralized zucchini noodles over medium heat. Add the pesto and gently toss to coat evenly, using reserved pasta water if needed to help distribute the sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to ensure even seasoning.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for added color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the blend of traditional pasta and fresh zucchini noodles.
Tips
- Spiralizer Secrets: For the best zucchini noodles, choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis and pat them dry before spiralizing to prevent excess moisture.
- Pesto Pro Tip: Use high-quality, fresh pesto for maximum flavor. If using store-bought, choose a brand with clean, natural ingredients.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce.
- Temperature Matters: Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect texture of both pasta and zucchini noodles. Letting it sit can make the zucchini release excess water.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian. This recipe is incredibly versatile!
- Cheese Recommendation: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor. Pre-grated cheese can taste flat and lacks the same depth.Pro Chef Bonus: For an extra flavor boost, lightly toast some pine nuts or add fresh basil leaves as a final garnish before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
