Zucchini Pesto Pasta

• Original Recipe Source: Kalyn's Kitchen

• Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 6

Description

This easy and quick Zucchini Pesto Pasta is a tasty family dinner during zucchini season and a perfect meatless meal! You can use low-carb pasta options like Fiber Gourmet or Carbe Diem, or your favorite standard penne pasta.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. dry Fiber Gourmet Light Penne or Carbe Diem Penne (or penne pasta of your choice)

• Salt (for the pasta cooking water)

• 3 medium zucchinis (about 9 inches long), cut in half lengthwise and sliced into half-moon slices

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (more or less to taste)

• Salt and fresh ground black pepper (for seasoning zucchini)

• 1 cup Basil Pesto of your choice

• ½ cup pasta cooking water (optional)

• ½ cup coarsely-grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add about 2 tsp. salt, and bring to a boil. Add the penne pasta, stir, and reduce heat to a gentle boil. Cook according to package directions (about 17 minutes for Fiber Gourmet Light Penne), keeping it al dente. Measure out ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a very large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, turn heat down to medium, and sauté just until fragrant (about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn).

3. Cook Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the pan, season to taste with salt and fresh ground black pepper, and cook until tender-crisp (about 5 minutes).

4. Combine with Pesto: Add the basil pesto to the cooked zucchini and gently stir to combine. (If your pasta isn't done yet, turn off the heat temporarily.)

5. Toss and Serve: Add the drained cooked pasta to the zucchini and pesto mixture, gently mixing together. Add as much of the reserved pasta cooking water as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta nicely. Cook for a couple of minutes more to let the pasta absorb the pesto flavor. Serve hot, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese if desired!