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Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Sauce

Jen Paleracio
A low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Pesto, made from fresh basil, pine nuts, and olive oil, is a flavorful and healthy sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the zucchini noodles. Overall, this dish is a tasty and healthy option for those looking for a lighter meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Spiralizer or julienne peeler
  • Skillet
  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

FOR THE PESTO SAUCE

  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE ZUCCHINI NOODLES

  • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
  • 1/2 cup of pesto sauce minced
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halves
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions
 

FOR THE PESTO SAUCE

  • In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
  • While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Use 1/4 cup to make the Zucchini Noodles and store the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FOR THE ZUCCHINI NOODLES

  • Spiralize the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Add the pesto sauce to the skillet and toss to combine with the noodles.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are coated with pesto sauce and heated through. Add the grape tomatoes, stir to combine.
  • Remove form the heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.

Notes

 

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Keyword fresh basil, garlic, grape tomatoes, lemon, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive, Parmesan cheese, pesto, pine nuts, salt and pepper, zucchini, zucchini noodles