How to Make Gnocchetti Sardi in Pesto Leggero di Zucchine (Zucchini Pesto Pasta) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Gnocchetti Sardi in Pesto Leggero di Zucchine, or Zucchini Pesto Pasta, is a delicious and light Italian dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This dish features gnocchetti sardi, a small, ridged pasta that is shaped like small shells, and a homemade zucchini pesto sauce that is bursting with fresh flavors.

The zucchini pesto is made with zucchini, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, creating a creamy and vibrant sauce that pairs perfectly with th...

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Ingredients

  • 2 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 small bunch basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Optional)
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 (12 ounce) package gnocchetti pasta
  • 4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 26 mins
  • Total Time: 41 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add zucchini, cover, and steam until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Place basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor; pulse briefly until ground together. Add zucchini, 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; pulse until combined. Pour in remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil through the feed tube and pulse until pesto is smooth.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain, reserving a few tablespoons of cooking water.
  • Toss gnocchetti with zucchini pesto in a bowl. Thin with reserved cooking water. Garnish each serving with 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese.
  • Nutrition

    512 cal.

    • Total Fat: 23g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 4mg
    • Sodium: 120mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 65g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 15g
    • Vitamin C: 15mg
    • Calcium: 107mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 395mg