Fresh Veggie Pasta Alternative (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Zoodles
01 -
4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ For the Homemade Pesto
04 -
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
05 -
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts if pine nuts are too pricey)
07 -
2 cloves garlic, peeled
08 -
1/2 cup good quality olive oil
09 -
Juice from half a lemon
10 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ For Serving (Optional)
11 -
Extra grated Parmesan
12 -
Fresh basil leaves
13 -
Red pepper flakes
# Instructions:
01 -
Throw your basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic into a food processor. Pulse everything until it's all chopped up but still has some texture.
02 -
Keep the food processor running and slowly drizzle in your olive oil and squeeze in that lemon juice. Let it go until everything's combined but still a bit chunky. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper until it's just right for you.
03 -
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in your spiralized zucchini and give it a quick sauté for just 2-3 minutes. You want them warm and slightly tender, but not mushy or watery. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
04 -
Take the pan off the heat and spoon in some of that fresh pesto. Start with about half of it and toss everything together with tongs, adding more pesto until it's coated how you like it. You might not need all the pesto - save the rest for later!
05 -
Twirl those pesto-coated zoodles onto plates and top with a little extra Parmesan cheese and maybe some torn basil if you're feeling fancy. Dig in while it's warm!
# Notes:
01 -
Watch your cooking time with zucchini noodles - they go from perfectly al dente to soggy in no time. When in doubt, undercook them a bit.
02 -
This dish is just as delicious cold! Make it ahead and pack it for lunch the next day.
03 -
Need more protein? Throw in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans for a more filling meal.
04 -
No spiralizer? No problem! You can use a vegetable peeler to make ribbons or look for pre-spiralized zucchini at many grocery stores.