Italian-inspired

Pistachio Pesto Zucchini Pasta

A fast summer pasta with basil pistachio pesto, sauteed zucchini, lemon, Parmesan, and enough pasta water to make the sauce glossy.

0.0 average rating 0 ratings By Recipes Worth Cooking Test Kitchen
Pistachio Pesto Zucchini Pasta

Pistachio is moving beyond dessert, and pesto is a practical way to use it in a weeknight dinner.

The nuts make the sauce creamy, lightly sweet, and more interesting than a standard basil-only version.

Zucchini keeps the pasta seasonal and adds volume without making the dish heavy.

Lemon and Parmesan sharpen the sauce so the pistachio flavor tastes savory, not pastry-like.

Reserve pasta water before draining.

The starch is what turns the pesto into a glossy sauce instead of a thick paste that sits on top of the noodles.

For something else to cook in the same spirit, try Creamy Tuscan White Bean Pasta or Roasted Carrots with Tahini and Pistachio.

Jump to Recipe

Directions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Blend basil, pistachios, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt into a coarse pesto.
  3. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add zucchini and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until browned at the edges.
  5. Add pasta, pesto, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 cup pasta water.
  6. Toss until glossy, adding more pasta water as needed.

Nutrition

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving: 690 calories, 24 g protein, 83 g carbohydrates, 31 g fat.

Variations

Recipe Variations

- Add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use mint with the basil for a brighter sauce.
- Swap zucchini for asparagus or green beans.

Notes

  • Do not over-blend the pesto; a little texture is welcome.
  • Salt the zucchini after it browns so it does not release too much water early.
  • The pesto can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated.

Community

Ratings & Reviews

No reviews yet

Cook it, rate it, and help future readers decide if this recipe belongs in their rotation.

Keep Cooking

Related Recipes