Zucchini Pesto with Hazelnuts pasta recipe

Pesto Zucchini with Hazelnuts pasta recipe

Pesto Zucchini with Hazelnuts is a quick, plant-based twist on classic pesto, blending toasted nuts with fresh zucchini for a smooth, nutty sauce ready in under 25 minutes. This elegant vegetarian option coats any pasta shape and doubles as a flavorful spread. Read on for ingredients, clear steps, and storage tips.

Pesto Zucchini with Hazelnuts - Recipes Pallace

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
  • 50 g hazelnuts
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • Optional: extra hazelnuts and Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Wash and trim zucchinis; cut into small pieces.
  2. (Optional) Roast zucchini at 200 °C for 10 minutes to deepen flavor.
  3. Toast hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes; let cool.
  4. In a food processor, combine toasted hazelnuts, zucchini, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
  5. Blend until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook 350 g of pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  7. Reserve 60 ml pasta water, then drain.
  8. Toss hot pasta with zucchini pesto, adding reserved water for a creamy consistency.
  9. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped hazelnuts; serve immediately.
  10. Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQ: Pesto Zucchini with Hazelnuts

Q: Can I make Pesto Zucchini with Hazelnuts ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Stir before serving.

Q: Is this recipe low-carb and plant-based?
A: The pesto is naturally low in carbohydrates and vegetarian. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a fully plant-based version.

Q: Which pasta shape works best?
A: Ridged shapes such as fusilli or penne grip the sauce well, but any cooked pasta will pair nicely.

Conclusion:

This quick, vegetarian pesto delivers rich flavor and a smooth texture with minimal prep time. Try it tonight, share your results, and explore more ideas on our site. Visit more recipes or See all Main Meals recipes.

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