Parsley Pesto Pasta

Parsley pesto pasta makes a quick and delicious vegetarian pasta dish. You'll love this easy pasta with flavorful parsley pesto, al dente spaghetti, and crunchy carrots and zucchini.

📝 Ingredients

• 8 ounces (230g) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons frying oil
• 1 medium/large zucchini
• 2 large carrots
• 1 cup parsley pesto (from the recipe below or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons pasta cooking water (if needed)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• parmesan cheese (to serve)
• 2 lightly packed cups (35g) flat-leaf parsley leaves (2 small bunches)
• 1/2 cup grated (45g) parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons (25g) pumpkin seeds or pistachios, walnuts/almonds/pine nuts are also great
• zest grated of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper (to taste)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Make parsley pesto: Add all the ingredients for the pesto except the olive oil to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. With the food processor running at low speed, add the olive oil in a slow and steady stream until the oil is incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. 2Cook the pasta until al dente (follow the package directions - the pasta should be cooked but still slightly firm in the center). Reserve a couple of tablespoons of pasta cooking water.
3. 3Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise then slice crosswise into 1/4 inch (5 mm) slices.
4. 4Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler and use the same peeler to cut long, thin strips. Firmly hold the zucchini flat against a cutting board, press the peeler against it and peel the flesh, sliding the peeler away from you.
5. 5Heat the oil in a big frying pan over high heat, add the zucchini and cook for about 3 minutes, then add the carrots and cook for about 3 minutes. The vegetables should be browned and tender but still crunchy.
6. 6Add the cooked pasta and pesto to the vegetables along with a couple of tablespoons of pasta cooking water. Stir everything together, take the pan off the heat, season the pasta to taste with salt and pepper.
7. 7Serve sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. 8Enjoy!