Gnocchetti Sardi in Pesto Leggero di Zucchine (Zucchini Pesto Pasta)
Gnocchetti are tossed in a homemade zucchini pesto sauce in this quick and easy summertime recipe from Sardinia in Southern Italy.
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
26 mins
Total Time
41 mins
Calories
512 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
Toss gnocchetti with zucchini pesto in a bowl. Thin with reserved cooking water. Garnish each serving with 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese.