Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Fresh zucchini spiralized into tender noodles and tossed with a vibrant homemade basil pesto — this light, low-calorie dinner comes together in under 20 minutes and is naturally gluten-free. It's the kind of wholesome weeknight meal that feels indulgent without the guilt, finished with cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and a shower of Parmesan.

4 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 5 min · Total 20 min

Italian · Main Course · Dinner

Main

  • 4 medium zucchini spiralized into noodles
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt for drawing out moisture

Pesto

  • 2 cup fresh basil leaves packed
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled
  • 0.25 cup pine nuts lightly toasted
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
  • 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for cooking
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Garnish

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts toasted, for garnish
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Paper Towel
  • Measuring Cups
  • Knife
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Colander
  • Spiralizer

Instructions

  1. Spiralize the @[Zucchini] using a spiralizer fitted with the medium noodle blade. Place the noodles in a #[Colander], toss with ~[½ tsp] @[Kosher Salt], and let them sit for ~[10 minutes] to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with #[Paper Towel] — this step is key to preventing watery noodles.
  2. In a #[Food Processor], combine the @[Basil] leaves, @[Garlic], and toasted @[Pine Nuts]. Pulse ~[8–10 times] until coarsely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the @[Extra-Virgin Olive Oil] until the pesto is smooth and emulsified. Add the @[Parmesan Cheese], @[Lemon Juice], @[Salt], and @[Black Pepper]. Pulse a few more times to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Heat ~[1 tablespoon] of @[Olive Oil] in a large #[Skillet] over ^[medium-high heat]. Add the dried @[Zucchini] noodles and toss with tongs for ~[1–2 minutes], just until slightly tender but still with a bite — do not overcook or they will become mushy. Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Add the pesto to the #[Skillet] with the warm @[Zucchini] noodles and toss gently to coat every strand. Divide among bowls and top with halved @[Cherry Tomatoes], extra @[Parmesan Cheese], toasted @[Pine Nuts], and a pinch of @[Red Pepper Flakes] if desired. Serve immediately.