Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's as vibrant as it is delicious? Say hello to Zucchini Spaghetti with Peaches and Pumpkin Seed Pesto! This Italian-inspired masterpiece marries the lightness of spiralized zucchini with the sweet juiciness of fresh peaches, all drizzled with a creamy, nutty pumpkin seed pesto that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party dish, this recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare and serves up to four people. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s not only stunning but bursting with flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Zucchini (spiralized)
- Peaches (sliced)
- Pumpkin seeds
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: spiralized zucchini, sliced peaches, pumpkin seeds, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, add the pumpkin seeds. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic (about 2 cloves) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but do not let it brown.
- Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet with the garlic and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still has a slight crunch. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the zucchini is cooking, prepare the pumpkin seed pesto. In a food processor, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, a handful of Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup), a clove of garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the zucchini is cooked, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a large serving bowl. Gently fold in the sliced peaches, allowing their juices to mix with the zucchini.
- Drizzle the pumpkin seed pesto over the zucchini and peaches, tossing gently to combine everything evenly.
- To serve, divide the zucchini spaghetti among four plates. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper, if desired.
- Enjoy your Zucchini Spaghetti with Peaches and Pumpkin Seed Pesto warm, as a delightful and refreshing dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture. Avoid overly large ones, as they can be watery and less flavorful.
- Perfectly Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Keep a close eye on the pumpkin seeds while toasting; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds! Stir frequently for even toasting.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to get creative with the pesto! Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for an extra flavor boost, or substitute walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different twist.
- Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: Sauté the zucchini just until it’s tender but still retains a bit of crunch. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture that doesn't hold up well in the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after combining the ingredients to keep the zucchini crisp and the peaches juicy.
- Add a Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the mix for an extra protein boost.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
