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Creamy Pesto Zucchini Noodles Recipe Easy Homemade with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy pesto zucchini noodles recipe featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, perfect for a light and satisfying meal that feels indulgent without heaviness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry zucchinis thoroughly. Using a spiralizer, create long, thin noodles and place them in a colander to drain for about 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
  2. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Add water a teaspoon at a time if too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Optionally toss with a little olive oil and salt for extra flavor.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the zucchini noodles. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, just until warmed but still firm (al dente). Avoid overcooking.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and stir in the creamy pesto sauce, coating noodles evenly. Gently fold in the fresh cherry tomatoes.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or pine nuts if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook zucchini noodles to avoid mushiness; cook just until warmed and still firm. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce. Toast pine nuts gently to avoid bitterness. Add cherry tomatoes last to keep their fresh burst. If pesto is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to mellow it out. Cook zucchini noodles in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto, zucchini noodles, zoodles, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, healthy pasta alternative, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-pesto-zucchini-noodles-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cherry-tomatoes/