Linguine with Garden Fresh Pesto and Seasonal Vegetables
Elevate your pasta night with this delightful Linguine with Garden Fresh Pesto and Seasonal Vegetables. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and toasted pine nuts, this recipe creates a luscious pesto that perfectly coats al dente linguine. Enhanced by a colorful medley of steamed carrots, zucchini, and crispy peapods, it's a nourishing and satisfying dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also makes for a stunning presentation. Perfect for family dinners or to impress guests, this dish is a celebration of farm-fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flair. Enjoy with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a twist of black pepper for an extra touch of flavor!
6
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta (preferably linguine)
8 ounces (dry)
peapods
1/4 lb (trimmed)
carrots
3 (thinly sliced)
zucchini
3 small (thinly sliced)
safflower oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
fresh basil leaves
2 cups (washed and packed)
garlic
2 cloves (peeled)
pine nuts (pignolli)
1/4 cup (toasted)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for pesto)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2-3/4 cup (for mixing and garnish)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
Prepare the pesto by adding the fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the bowl of a food processor.
2
Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese for a creamier texture.
3
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
4
While the pasta is cooking, steam the sliced carrots for about 3-4 minutes, until they are vibrant and tender-crisp.
5
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of safflower oil (or olive oil) over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and peapods. Sauté, stirring continuously, for about 5 minutes or until they are fork-tender yet still crisp.
6
Combine the hot pasta with the pesto, tossing to ensure the noodles are well-coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help smooth the sauce.
7
Fold in the sautéed vegetables and mix gently until evenly distributed.
8
Serve warm, garnished with freshly ground black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
16.67g
Fat
41.67g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
3.33g
Fiber
0.83g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Linguine with Garden Fresh Pesto and Seasonal Vegetables?
It is a pasta dish featuring fresh basil pesto, steamed carrots, and sautéed zucchini and peapods.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients in the pesto?
The homemade pesto consists of fresh basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while linguine is preferred, you can use other varieties like spaghetti or fettuccine.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 350 calories per serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it focuses on vegetables, pasta, and cheese.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be thinly sliced and steamed for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
You can use either safflower oil or olive oil for sautéing.
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making it fresh?
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto, but fresh pesto is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How long do I steam the carrots?
The carrots should be steamed for about 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant and tender-crisp.
What is the preparation method for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be thinly sliced and sautéed in a skillet until fork-tender.
How do I achieve a creamier texture for the pesto?
Gradually mixing in the Parmesan cheese into the food processor helps create a creamier texture.
Can I substitute the pine nuts in the pesto?
Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or sunflower seeds if desired.
Is there protein in this dish?
Yes, each serving provides 12.5g of protein.
How much fat is in each serving?
There is 16.67g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 41.67g of carbohydrates.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely, you can fold in other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus.
Is this dish considered Mediterranean style?
Yes, with ingredients like olive oil, fresh basil, and garlic, it has a distinct Mediterranean flair.
How long should I sauté the zucchini and peapods?
They should be sautéed for about 5 minutes or until they are fork-tender yet still crisp.
What is the best way to serve this pasta?
Serve it warm, garnished with freshly ground black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh for the pesto?
Fresh basil is highly recommended as it provides the necessary bulk and vibrant flavor for the pesto.
Should I save any of the pasta water?
Yes, reserving a little pasta water can help smooth out the sauce when tossing it with the noodles.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for both the pesto and the garnish.
How many grams of fiber are in a serving?
There are 3.33g of fiber per serving.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and easy dinner, perfect for busy nights.
What should the final texture of the linguine be?
The linguine should be cooked until it is al dente, or firm to the bite.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic cloves are preferred for the authentic, pungent flavor required in pesto.
Is this recipe low in sugar?
Yes, it contains only 0.83g of sugar per serving.
What is the purpose of the safflower oil in this recipe?
Safflower oil is used as a neutral-flavored oil for sautéing the zucchini and peapods.
Can I add more Parmesan cheese than the recipe suggests?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Parmesan to your taste preferences.