Discover a delicious twist on classic pasta with this Zesty Zucchini Basil Pesto Pasta recipe! This vibrant dish combines fresh basil, zucchini, and creamy pesto for a delightful meal that's quick and easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it’s sure to become a favorite.
8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or sliced into thin ribbons
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
Lemon zest for garnish
![- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or pasta of choice - 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or sliced into thin ribbons - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Lemon zest for garnish For this dish, you can choose different types of pasta. Spaghetti works great, but you can also use gluten-free pasta. The zucchini can be spiralized for a fun texture or sliced into ribbons for a more classic look. Both options taste great with the pesto. The key ingredients for the basil pesto are fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. These ingredients blend together to create a bright and fresh sauce. The cheese adds richness, but you can skip it for a vegan version by using nutritional yeast instead. - Substitute nuts (walnuts, pecans) - Vegan alternatives for cheese - Additional garnishes (extra veggies, herbs) If you need to switch up the nuts, walnuts or pecans work nicely. They give a different flavor but still taste great in the pesto. For a vegan option, you can simply leave out the cheese or use nutritional yeast instead. This keeps the dish tasty while fitting your diet. Feel free to add more veggies or herbs as garnishes. Extra cherry tomatoes, spinach, or even fresh herbs like parsley are great options. These add color and flavor, making your dish even more appealing. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To start, you need a big pot. Fill it with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it's boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or your pasta of choice. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and taste a piece. You want it al dente, firm yet tender. When it's ready, save half a cup of the pasta water before draining it. While the pasta cooks, it's time to make the pesto. Grab your food processor. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Pulse until everything is finely chopped. Then, with the processor running, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. This will help blend the mixture into a smooth and creamy pesto. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Next, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin ribbons or spiralized. Sauté the zucchini for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the flavor. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the zucchini. Pour the pesto over the pasta. Toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly. If it seems dry, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water to get the right consistency. This will help the pesto stick to the pasta. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To make your pesto shine, add garlic. Garlic brings a strong, fresh taste. You can also use lemon juice. It brightens the flavors and adds a nice zing. If you have leftover pesto, store it in a jar. Cover it with a thin layer of olive oil. This keeps it fresh for days. Cooking pasta just right is key. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. Watch the cooking time closely. When the pasta is close to done, reserve some pasta water. This water has starch and helps thicken sauces. Keep about half a cup for later use. When plating your dish, make it look nice. Use a large spoon to twirl the pasta. This creates a lovely nest on the plate. Add the zucchini and pesto mix on top. For extra flair, sprinkle cherry tomatoes and lemon zest. Pair this meal with a light salad or a cold drink. A crisp white wine complements the dish well. You can find the full recipe to try these tips in action. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Zucchini and Basil Pesto Pasta. Good options include chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For chicken, grill or sauté bite-sized pieces. Cook shrimp in a pan until pink and firm. For tofu, cube it and sauté until golden. Mix your chosen protein into the pasta just before serving. This addition makes your meal heartier and more filling. You can swap in other veggies for zucchini. Spinach adds a nice touch, while bell peppers give a sweet crunch. If you feel adventurous, try seasonal vegetables like asparagus or peas. These veggies not only enhance flavor but also add color to your dish. Mixing in different vegetables keeps the meal fresh and exciting. While spaghetti works great, you can use other pasta shapes too. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle can make your dish unique. For gluten-free options, look for rice or chickpea pasta. These shapes hold the pesto well, ensuring every bite is tasty. Choose the shape you love, and enjoy a fun twist on this classic recipe. After you enjoy your Zucchini and Basil Pesto Pasta, you may have leftovers. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 days. To keep the pasta from getting dry, add a splash of olive oil. For the pesto, place it in a jar and cover it with a thin layer of olive oil. This helps prevent browning. Pesto can also last in the fridge for about a week. You can freeze both the pasta and pesto for longer storage. For pasta, cool it first, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To freeze the pesto, pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag. This way, you can use just what you need. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it warm evenly. For the pesto, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or heat it gently in a small pan. Enjoy! To balance flavors in pesto, add a little more cheese. You can also try adding a pinch of sugar. A squeeze of lemon juice helps too. This adds freshness and cuts the bitterness. If the garlic is too strong, reduce the amount you use. Lastly, mix in more olive oil to soften the taste. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto as a quick option. Look for fresh or refrigerated brands for the best flavor. Many stores offer organic choices too. Choose a pesto with good ingredients, like basil, olive oil, and nuts. Avoid brands with added preservatives or artificial flavors. Homemade basil pesto stays fresh for about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it from browning. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top before sealing. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag for up to three months. Pair this dish with a simple green salad for a fresh crunch. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make a great side. For protein, consider grilled chicken or shrimp. Roasted vegetables can add more flavor and color. Feel free to get creative with your sides! You now have a complete guide to making Zucchini and Basil Pesto Pasta. We've covered key ingredients, from pasta choices to the essential elements of flavorful pesto. Cooking steps ensured you understand how to create the perfect dish, while tips on storage will keep your meal fresh. Explore different variations and customize this dish to fit your tastes. Whether you choose to add protein or switch veggies, the options are endless. Enjoy this healthy pasta and feel free to experiment with flavors. Your kitchen journey is just beginning!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/b4d8d8ee-0a97-49db-a425-eefc70ccf4bb-250x250.webp)