Zucchini Noodles With Pesto (Printable Version)

Fresh zucchini spirals with aromatic basil pesto create a light, satisfying meal ready in minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Zucchini Noodles

01 - 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Pinch of salt

→ Pesto

04 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
05 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
07 - 1 garlic clove
08 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Fresh basil leaves
13 - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Combine fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic clove in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and well incorporated.
02 - With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Process until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
03 - Transform medium zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. Set aside until ready to cook.
04 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and pinch of salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender-crisp, taking care not to overcook.
05 - Remove the skillet from heat immediately. Toss the warm zucchini noodles with half of the prepared pesto, adding more as desired to achieve thorough coating.
06 - Divide the dressed noodles between serving plates. Top with additional grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve promptly.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • The entire meal comes together in twenty minutes, faster than delivery and infinitely fresher
  • You will feel satisfied without the heavy pasta coma that follows traditional noodles
02 -
  • Zucchini releases water as it cooks, so do not be alarmed if some liquid accumulates in the pan
  • The noodles go from perfectly tender to mushy in seconds, watch them closely
03 -
  • Salt your zucchini noodles and let them sit for ten minutes before cooking to remove excess water
  • Toast your nuts in a dry pan until fragrant before adding to the pesto for deeper flavor
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