Description

Looking for a healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta? Try this zucchini noodle pesto recipe! Zucchini noodles are nutritious and lower in calories and carbohydrates, making them perfect for low-carb or keto diets. Plus, homemade pesto adds flavor without preservatives.

Ingredients

Units Scale

3–4 medium zucchini, spiralized

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup pine nuts

2–3 cloves garlic

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Spiralize the zucchini and set aside.
In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until well combined.
With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the pesto until the zucchini noodles are well coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

When cooking this zucchini noodle pesto meal, here are some things to be careful of:

Overcooking the zucchini noodles: Be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles, as they can become mushy and lose their texture. Cook them just until they are tender, which should only take a few minutes.
Burning the pine nuts: Pine nuts can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them while toasting in the pan or in the oven. Stir frequently to ensure they toast evenly.
Adding too much salt: Parmesan cheese is already salty, so be careful when seasoning the pesto with additional salt. Taste as you go and add salt sparingly.
Pesto consistency: Depending on the type of basil and amount of olive oil used, the pesto can vary in consistency. Adjust the amount of oil and cheese to get the desired thickness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Keywords: zucchini noodle pesto, low-carb pasta alternative, homemade pesto