Description
A wholesome plant-based twist on classic Italian comfort food, featuring caramelized zucchini and homemade basil pesto, perfect for warm summer evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds zucchini or summer squash
- 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- 7 garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or pistachios
- 1/2 medium or large lemon (zested)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes (sliced)
- 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Cut zucchini into rough chunks and slice 6 garlic cloves thinly.
- Caramelize the zucchini: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add zucchini and salt, and cook until browning, about 4-6 minutes. Then add sliced garlic, cook for 2-3 minutes, reduce heat, and cook until soft.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta and cook until al dente, reserving at least 1 cup of pasta water.
- Make the basil-garlic topping: Mince remaining garlic clove and chiffonade the remaining basil. Set aside.
- Make the zucchini pesto: In a food processor, blend pine nuts or pistachios, 2/3 of the caramelized zucchini, lemon zest, and half of the basil until chunky yet creamy.
- Assemble the pasta: In a mixing bowl, combine hot pasta with zucchini pesto, adding reserved pasta water gradually. Fold in remaining caramelized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas. Top with basil-garlic mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
Notes
Customize with crushed red pepper for heat or additional protein like grilled tofu. Enjoy fresh for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan pasta, zucchini pasta, pesto pasta, Italian recipe, summer dish, plant-based meal
