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–+ servings
Parsley pesto pasta in a frying pan.
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Parsley Pesto Pasta

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Author: Aleksandra

Ingredients

for the pasta:

  • 8 ounces (230g) spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons frying oil
  • 1 medium/large zucchini
  • 2 large carrots
  • 1 cup parsley pesto from the recipe below or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons pasta cooking water if needed
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • parmesan cheese to serve

for the parsley pesto:

  • 2 lightly packed cups (35g) flat-leaf parsley leaves 2 small bunches
  • 1/2 cup grated (45g) parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons (25g) pumpkin seeds or pistachios, walnuts/almonds/pine nuts are also great
  • zest grated of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Make parsley pesto: Add all the ingredients for the pesto except the olive oil to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. With the food processor running at low speed, add the olive oil in a slow and steady stream until the oil is incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente (follow the package directions - the pasta should be cooked but still slightly firm in the center). Reserve a couple of tablespoons of pasta cooking water.
  • Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise then slice crosswise into 1/4 inch (5 mm) slices.
  • Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler and use the same peeler to cut long, thin strips. Firmly hold the zucchini flat against a cutting board, press the peeler against it and peel the flesh, sliding the peeler away from you.
  • Heat the oil in a big frying pan over high heat, add the zucchini and cook for about 3 minutes, then add the carrots and cook for about 3 minutes. The vegetables should be browned and tender but still crunchy.
  • Add the cooked pasta and pesto to the vegetables along with a couple of tablespoons of pasta cooking water. Stir everything together, take the pan off the heat, season the pasta to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Calories = 1 serving (1/3 of the recipe). This is only an estimate!

Nutrition

Calories: 908kcal