Crispy Zucchini and Pesto Pasta Nests
Indulge in this vibrant and delightful dish featuring perfectly formed pasta nests that provide the ideal serving size, complemented by a rich and aromatic homemade basil pesto. The dish is elevated with crispy golden-brown slices of zucchini, adding a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy pesto. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these pasta nests combine savory and fresh flavors in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta Nests
3 (Nests)
Fresh Basil
2 cups (Packed leaves)
Pine Nuts
1/2 cup (Toasted if desired)
Garlic Clove
1 (Peeled)
Olive Oil
1 cup (Extra virgin preferred, divided)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Zucchini
1 (Sliced into rounds)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring plenty of salted water to a boil. Add 2 pasta nests and a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 6-8 minutes.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil and a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Pulse until finely chopped. Then add the garlic clove and blend until well combined. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in more olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Finally, blend in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped pine nuts, processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
3
Slice the zucchini into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, introduce the zucchini slices, sprinkling them lightly with salt. Sauté until one side is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side to achieve an evenly colored zucchini.
4
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and divide into three serving bowls. Position a nest of pasta at the center of each bowl, top with a generous drizzle of the homemade pesto, and arrange the crispy zucchini slices around it. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Zucchini and Pesto Pasta Nests?
This dish features pasta nests served with a homemade basil pesto and golden-brown, crispy zucchini rounds.
How many pasta nests are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 pasta nests in total.
How long should I cook the pasta nests?
The pasta nests should be boiled for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until they reach an al dente texture.
What is the first step in preparing the pesto?
Combine fresh basil and a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
How much fresh basil do I need?
You will need 2 cups of packed fresh basil leaves.
What type of oil is recommended for this dish?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for both the pesto and for sautéing the zucchini.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be sliced into rounds that are 1/8-inch thick.
How do I make the zucchini crispy?
Sauté the zucchini rounds in a pan with olive oil over medium heat until both sides are golden brown.
What ingredients are used in the homemade pesto?
The pesto is made from fresh basil, olive oil, a garlic clove, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped pine nuts.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
One peeled garlic clove is used for the pesto.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of olive oil, which is divided between the pesto and the sauté pan.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
The recipe suggests using toasted pine nuts if desired for enhanced flavor.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while boiling?
Add a drizzle of olive oil to the boiling salted water.
What equipment is needed to make the pesto?
A food processor is recommended to blend the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
How do I achieve a smooth pesto consistency?
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired smoothness.
What heat setting should be used for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be cooked in a sauté pan over medium heat.
Should I season the zucchini during cooking?
Yes, sprinkle the zucchini slices lightly with salt while they are sautéing.
How is the dish assembled for serving?
Place a pasta nest in the center of a bowl, top with pesto, and arrange the crispy zucchini slices around it.
How many serving bowls are needed?
The instructions suggest dividing the prepared pasta into three serving bowls.
Can I add extra garnish?
Yes, you can garnish the final dish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with pasta, zucchini, pesto, vegetarian, European, healthy, comfort food, and easy recipes.
How long does it take to sauté the zucchini?
You should sauté the zucchini until one side is golden brown, then flip and repeat for the other side.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests.
What is the texture of the finished pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente, providing a firm bite.
How much pine nuts are required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped pine nuts.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the dish immediately after assembly.
What is the main flavor profile of the dish?
The dish combines savory pesto and fresh basil flavors with the crunch of golden zucchini.
Does the recipe include instructions for the pesto?
Yes, the instructions provide a step-by-step guide to making the pesto from scratch using a food processor.