Creamy Vegan Zucchini Pesto Pasta
User Reviews
4.9
Creamy Vegan Zucchini Pesto Pasta
Description
The recipe starts with quartered and chunked zucchini pieces sautéed in olive oil until they develop browned spots, then combined with thin slices of garlic that cook slowly until the zucchini becomes soft and jam-like. This process builds a mellow, slightly sweet base for the sauce. The pasta component is cooked separately and combined later.
The pesto integrates fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and olive oil, contributing herbal brightness and nutty richness. Cherry tomatoes add a fresh, juicy contrast, while chickpeas supply additional texture and protein. Red pepper flakes are optionally added for subtle heat. The final assembly mixes the creamy zucchini base pesto with the pasta and garnishes with more olive oil for richness.
This dish serves as a filling vegan main meal with a creamy texture and fresh herbal notes, suitable for those seeking a plant-based pasta featuring garden vegetables and simple, natural flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds zucchini 680g; or summer squash; about 4 small-medium
- 2 1/2 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for finishing
- kosher salt to taste
- 7 garlic divided, cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 12 ounces pasta 340g; use gluten-free pasta as needed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts 45g; or pistachios
- 1/2 lemon zested, medium or large
- 1 cup (16g) basil leaves divided, fresh
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 80-100g; or grape tomatoes; sliced in half or quarters
- 1 can chickpeas 15-ounce/425g; drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables. Cut each zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then crosswise into chunks (not too thinly; see the photos in the blog post for reference). Slice 6 of the 7 garlic cloves thinly (but not paper thin). Leave the remaining garlic clove whole.
- Caramelize the zucchini. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the zucchini or summer squash and season with kosher salt to taste (I used a heaping 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt). Cook the zucchini, tossing occasionally, until browned in spots, 4-6 minutes.NOTE: for pan alternatives, see the “Tips” section in the blog post.
- Add the 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the zucchini. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the zucchini just starts to break down, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until zucchini is soft and jammy, 15-20 minutes, stirring just occasionally. Stir in red pepper flakes at the end, if using.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a few ladles of pasta water.
- Meanwhile, make the basil-garlic topping. Finely mince the 1 remaining garlic clove. Chiffonade 1/2 cup of the basil and toss with the minced garlic to combine. Set aside.
- Make the Zucchini Pesto. Meanwhile, add the pine nuts or pistachios to a food processor and blitz until you have a very fine crumb. Transfer about 2/3 of the caramelized zucchini to the food processor (reserve the remaining zucchini for finishing the pasta). Add the lemon zest and the remaining 1/2 cup of the basil and blend until the pesto is pureed but still a little chunky. Taste for seasonings, adding a pinch of salt as needed.
- Assemble the Pasta. Transfer the hot cooked pasta to a serving bowl. Top with the zucchini pesto, and toss to combine, adding a few spoons of pasta water as needed to emulsify the mixture until the pesto coats the pasta. Add the reserved caramelized zucchini, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas and toss again. Sprinkle with the basil-garlic topping and toss again. If desired, drizzle with a final splash of extra virgin olive oil. Taste for seasonings, adding additional salt as needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 539 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 539kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 320mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 945mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 901IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 54mg | 60% |
| Calcium | 82mg | 8% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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