Quick 30-Minute Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: A Healthy Dinner by Kari If there was ever something that would be healthy, quick, and would fill a person up, one could say that zucchini noodles-or “zoodles,” as some call them-are just what the doctor ordered. Low-carb and loaded with nutrients, these noodles add a fresh and light take on classic pasta into a nutritious dinner with some flavorful pesto sauce. This is a quick, 30-minute zucchini noodles with pesto recipe for those busy nights when you need something healthy yet full of flavor.
Why 30-Minute Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Are a Great Choice Zucchini noodles are far more than just a passing fad of a food, touting several healthy merits and a plethora of ways to fix them. You don’t need anything heavier with pesto; the flavor is satisfyingly light. Here’s why this dish deserves to be added into your rotation:
Quick and Easy:
This dish is perfect for busy midweek dinners as it’s ready in only 30 minutes. Low Carb and Gluten Free: The use of zucchini noodles offers one of the best low-carb or gluten-free options. Nutrient-Dense: Rich in minerals and vitamins, the zucchini noodles will be tossed in pesto made from fresh basil and nuts, which just increase the nutritional level with added healthy fats. Delicious yet Light: The combination of zoodles and pesto makes a complete meal without feeling so heavy. Ingredients for 30-Minute Zucchini Noodles with Pesto To make this quick and healthy meal, here is what you need to get ready: Oils 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles 1 cup pesto sauce, store-bought or homemade 1 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts or almonds 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for serving Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for extra freshness) For Homemade Pesto, if making from scratch: Basil leaves fresh 2 cups Pine nuts 1/2 cup toasted or walnuts or almonds Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup Garlic cloves 2 Olive oil 1/2 cup Salt and pepper to taste Step-by-Step Instructions to Make 30-Minute Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles
Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use either a julienne peeler or a mandoline slicer for thin strips of the vegetable. When the zucchinis are spiralized, pat the zoodles with paper towels to remove excess moisture so that when they cook, they don’t become watery noodles.
- Cooking the Zucchini Noodles
In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Careful not to burn the garlic.
Place zucchini noodles in the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Frequently toss the noodles until they cook through but are still slightly crispy. Do not overcook; the noodles will end up mushy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Pesto Sauce
While the zoodles are cooking, if making pesto from scratch, take basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until well chopped.
With the processor on, slowly add the olive oil until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic, if needed. More olive oil can be added if you feel that your pesto should be creamier.
- Toss and Serve
Once the zucchinis are at your desired doneness, remove them from the skillet and toss them in a pan with pesto sauce until they are well coated. If the pesto is too thick, thin it out with a little bit of pasta cooking water or additional olive oil.
Transfer the sauced zoodles to serving plates, topping each plate with grated Parmesan cheese, a fresh basil leaf, and half of a cherry tomato if using.
Tips for Perfect 30-Minute Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Fresh Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchinis are in order for the best texture and flavor on your zoodles.
Don’t Overcook: A quick cooking noodle, such as zucchini noodles, can go from perfect to mush in like a minute. So pay attention.
My Pesto, My Way: You can add toasted nuts or other cheeses to your pesto if you like.
Ahead of Time: You can spiralize the zucchini ahead of time and make the pesto. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
Health Benefits of Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Low Carb: it contains no carb, unlike regular pasta; thus, zucchini noodles are super good for keto or low-carb diets. Nutritious Powerhouse: Zucchini is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. Healthy Fats: Nut-based pesto tossed in olive oil provides healthy fats that are good for heart health.
Rich in Antioxidants: Basil and garlic included in pesto contain antioxidants, which provide great assistance in fighting against inflammation and generally promote health.
Customizing Your Zucchini Noodles
One of the beauties of this dish is how easy it is to tailor to taste:
Add Protein: Give some heft to this meal by adding chicken, shrimp, or tofu into this noodle dish.
Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great sautéed and added into this meal.
Spice It Up: Add a little heat, if you like it that way, with some red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the pesto.
Make It Vegan: For vegan, skip out the Parmesan cheese in this recipe or use a dairy-free substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: One rounds out the meal when serving zucchini noodles with a light side salad. A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette is absolutely fine.
Grilled Vegetables: These can be served along with a plate of grilled vegetables to give it that extra dose of flavor and nutrients.
Crusty Bread: Serve the zoodles with a slice of crusty whole grain bread for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
Quick 30-minute zucchini noodles with pesto come out as a healthy yet pleasing option for the usual pasta dishes. Fresh, vibrant flavors and an amazing nutritional profile make them about the perfect dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality for those busy professional weeknights. Whether it be the busy office employee who has to race against time, the health-conscious eater, or anybody who wants to eat more greens and enjoy them in equal measure, this recipe surely covers it all.
Just try these pesto noodles next time you are in need of something quick, nourishing, and full of flavor. Here’s a delicious yet healthy meal that’s ready to hit the table with less than 30 minutes on the clock with a few very basic ingredients. Enjoy!
