Imagine a dish that is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. Enter “Quick Zucchini Noodles With Pesto,” a recipe that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied. With just a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can whip up this flavorful meal in no time. So grab your spiralizer and get ready to indulge in a healthy and tasty dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
To make a delicious dish of quick zucchini noodles with pesto, you will need the following ingredients:
Zucchini
The star of this recipe, zucchini, provides a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Make sure you choose fresh and firm zucchini for the best results.
Basil
Fresh basil leaves add a wonderful burst of vibrant flavor to the dish. Its aromatic and herbaceous notes complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Pine nuts
Pine nuts add a delightful nuttiness and a lovely crunch to the pesto sauce. Toasting the pine nuts brings out their full flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese, with its rich and tangy flavor, adds a savory element to the pesto sauce. It also helps to thicken and bind the ingredients together.
Garlic
Garlic lends its distinct flavor and adds a delightful kick to the pesto sauce. Make sure to mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dish.
Olive oil
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for both the pesto sauce and sautéing the zucchini noodles. It adds a luxurious richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Salt and pepper
Seasoning with salt and pepper helps to bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients. Use them to taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced dish.
Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness and a pop of color to the zucchini noodles. They provide a refreshing contrast to the pesto sauce.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Garnishing the dish with fresh basil leaves adds a beautiful finishing touch. It also reinforces the basil flavor and makes the dish even more visually appealing.
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to preparing the zucchini.
Preparing the Zucchini
Washing the zucchini
Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly under cool running water. This step removes any dirt or residue on the surface. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Trimming the ends
Trim the ends of the zucchini using a sharp knife. This ensures that the zucchini noodles will be of uniform length and prevents any tough or uneven parts from being included in the dish.
Cutting the zucchini into noodles
Using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler, cut the zucchini into thin, noodle-like strands. If you don’t have these tools, you can also use a knife to carefully slice the zucchini into thin strips. Set aside the zucchini noodles for now while we prepare the pesto sauce.
Making the Pesto
Gathering the ingredients
Before you start making the pesto sauce, gather all the ingredients mentioned earlier for easy access. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Toasting the pine nuts
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. Keep a close eye on them while toasting to prevent them from burning. Once toasted, remove from the heat and set them aside to cool.
Blending the pesto
In a food processor or blender, combine the toasted pine nuts, basil leaves, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the machine is running until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If the pesto seems too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil to thin it out.
Adjusting the consistency and seasoning
After blending the ingredients, take a moment to taste the pesto sauce. You can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper, if desired. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of water. Set the pesto aside while we move on to cooking the zucchini noodles.
Cooking the Zucchini Noodles
Heating the olive oil
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or so until it shimmers.
Sautéing the zucchini noodles
Add the zucchini noodles to the hot skillet and toss them gently to coat them with the oil. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini noodles have slightly softened but still retain a bit of crunch.
Adding the cherry tomatoes
To add a burst of freshness and color, gently toss in the cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes have just started to soften and release their juices.
Seasoning with salt and pepper
Season the zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-season, as the pesto sauce already contains salt. Toss everything together to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Serving
Plating the zucchini noodles
Transfer the cooked zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes to a serving dish or individual plates. Arrange the noodles in an appealing way, ensuring each serving has a good mix of zucchini and tomatoes.
Garnishing with fresh basil leaves
To enhance the dish’s visual appeal and provide an added burst of basil flavor, garnish the zucchini noodles with fresh basil leaves. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces and scatter them over the noodles.
Enjoying your quick zucchini noodles with pesto!
Your delicious and healthy quick zucchini noodles with pesto are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately while they’re still warm and the flavors are at their peak. This dish is perfect as a light lunch or dinner, and you can even pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. Bon appétit!