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