Best 4 Quick Zucchini Noodles With Pesto Recipes

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Zucchini noodles, often known as zoodles, are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta. They are easy to make, taking only a few minutes to spiralize the zucchini into thin, noodle-like strands. Once prepared, zoodles can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the quickest and most flavorful methods is to toss them with a simple pesto sauce. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for quick zucchini noodles with pesto, providing you with a range of options to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HEATHER'S ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH BASIL-PUMPKIN SEED PESTO



Heather's Zucchini Noodles with Basil-Pumpkin Seed Pesto image

Fresh, raw zucchini noodles tossed with basil pesto and cherry tomatoes make a light, healthy meal. Make this recipe for lunch or dinner, or serve it as a side! Recipe yields 4 generous main dish servings.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Entree

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 small yellow onion, roughly chopped*
1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (arugula works, too)
1/2 cup pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), toasted**
1/3 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, to taste (or lemon juice)
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
3 large zucchini
Salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (Heather served her tomatoes whole; I halved mine vertically)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Steps:

  • To prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the onion (if using, see notes), garlic, basil, toasted pepitas, olive oil, vinegar and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and season with salt, to taste (I added about 1/2 teaspoon-if the mixture tastes overwhelmingly oniony, don't worry, it will mellow in a few minutes. I added another teaspoon of vinegar to help balance the flavors).
  • To prepare the noodles: Spiralize the zucchini with a spiralizer (here's how), or turn the zucchini into noodles with a julienne peeler, or grate the zucchini the long way on a large box grater. Toss the zucchini with pesto until well coated, and season with salt (I added another 1/4 teaspoon).
  • Transfer the pesto noodles to a large platter and sprinkle with the cherry tomatoes. Tuck the fresh basil in to the corners to garnish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 221 calories, Sugar 3.4 g, Sodium 298.6 mg, Fat 19.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 11.1 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 2.8 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH PESTO



Zucchini Noodles with Pesto image

You don't have to be on a gluten-free or paleo diet to enjoy this healthful, summery meal.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
3 cloves garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
6 medium zucchini
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, toss chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, pepper and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Heat 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken breasts and cook, without moving, 3 to 5 minutes or until brown. Turn breasts, and immediately transfer pan to oven.
  • Bake 20 to 35 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).
  • Meanwhile, in food processor or blender, place pine nuts, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover; process until combined. Add basil; process to chop roughly. Scrape down sides of processor with spatula. With processor running, slowly add 1/4 cup olive oil, and continue to process until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
  • Cut ends off each zucchini. Using vegetable peeler, peel all 4 sides of the zucchini into long strips, looking like the pappardelle pasta shape. Turn zucchini to the next side when you reach the seeds. Discard the seedy core of the zucchini.
  • Remove chicken from oven; transfer chicken to a plate. Drizzle lemon juice evenly over chicken and allow to rest, covered with foil, 5 minutes.
  • Place pan with juices on stovetop over high heat (be careful of hot handle); heat juices to boiling. Add zucchini. Toss 4 to 5 minutes or until all liquid evaporates. Turn off heat; add pesto from food processor to pan, and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 420, Carbohydrate 13 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Fat 5, Fiber 4 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 4 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 690 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 0 g

ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH BASIL PESTO AND BACON



Zucchini Noodles with Basil Pesto and Bacon image

There's no pasta in this dish, just fresh zucchini noodles tossed in a delicious bacon and pesto sauce.

Provided by Monica P.

Categories     Fruits and Vegetables     Vegetables     Squash

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 slices turkey bacon
½ cup basil pesto (such as Classico® Traditional)
3 large zucchini, ends trimmed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 cup fresh arugula
1 pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Lay bacon slices on a large baking tray.
  • Broil in the preheated oven until crispy, 9 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a large plate lined with absorbent kitchen paper and allow to cool and harden.
  • Crumble the cooled bacon into smaller pieces and combine with pesto sauce.
  • Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to cut zucchini into noodles, snipping midway to prevent them from getting too long.
  • Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add zucchini and garlic and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add pesto-bacon mixture and heat for 2 minutes longer. Toss well so the noodles are evenly coated. Taste and season with salt if needed.
  • Top with freshly grated Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese so it can melt while the dish is still warm. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Top with arugula, but do not mix it in. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 568.1 calories, Carbohydrate 22.4 g, Cholesterol 57.2 mg, Fat 44.9 g, Fiber 7.3 g, Protein 24.9 g, SaturatedFat 11.6 g, Sodium 1206.9 mg, Sugar 9.3 g

PESTO ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH TOMATOES AND BROCCOLI



Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Broccoli image

Tomatoes and broccoli come together with pesto and zucchini noodles to make a delicious dish!

Provided by alohakellygirl

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Pesto Pasta Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped broccoli
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup pesto
2 ⅓ cups zucchini noodles
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a medium saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and pesto; cook and stir for 5 to 10 minutes. Add zucchini noodles and continue to cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes more.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.4 calories, Carbohydrate 11.6 g, Cholesterol 27.2 mg, Fat 34.9 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 17.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 710.2 mg, Sugar 2 g

Tips:

  • Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. This is the easiest way to get long, thin noodles that will cook evenly.
  • If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create wide zucchini ribbons. Just be careful not to peel too deeply, or you'll end up with thick noodles that will take longer to cook.
  • Zucchini noodles can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can boil them, stir-fry them, or roast them. For this recipe, we're going to boil them.
  • Be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles. They should be cooked until they're just tender, but still have a slight crunch.
  • Pesto is a great sauce for zucchini noodles. It's flavorful and creamy, and it helps to keep the noodles from sticking together.
  • You can add other ingredients to this recipe to make it a complete meal. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Conclusion:

Zucchini noodles are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. They're low in calories and carbohydrates, and they're packed with nutrients. This recipe for quick zucchini noodles with pesto is a great way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. It's easy to make, and it's sure to please everyone at your table.

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