Best 4 Zucchini Noodles With Basil Pesto And Bacon Recipes

HEATHER'S ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH BASIL-PUMPKIN SEED PESTO

Steps:

• To prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the onion (if using, see notes), garlic, basil, toasted pepitas, olive oil, vinegar and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and season with salt, to taste (I added about 1/2 teaspoon-if the mixture tastes overwhelmingly oniony, don't worry, it will mellow in a few minutes. I added another teaspoon of vinegar to help balance the flavors).
• To prepare the noodles: Spiralize the zucchini with a spiralizer (here's how), or turn the zucchini into noodles with a julienne peeler, or grate the zucchini the long way on a large box grater. Toss the zucchini with pesto until well coated, and season with salt (I added another 1/4 teaspoon).
• Transfer the pesto noodles to a large platter and sprinkle with the cherry tomatoes. Tuck the fresh basil in to the corners to garnish.

CHEESY ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH BACON

Steps:

• Cut the zucchini into long noodles using a spiralizer (or use 1 pound store-bought zucchini noodles). Set aside.
• Put a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Toss the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl and season with salt and black pepper. Spread on the hot baking sheet and bake until the tomatoes are slightly softened and just browned around the edges, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove to a paper towel¿lined plate and wipe out the skillet. Melt the butter in the skillet and add the scallion whites and garlic; cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the flour and stir to combine, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the milk, mustard, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheese until smooth.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini noodles and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring, until the zucchini is just softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the zucchini to the cheese sauce, leaving any extra liquid in the skillet. Cook over medium heat, gently tossing until coated; season with salt and black pepper. Top with the roasted tomatoes, bacon and scallion greens.

ZUCCHINI, CORN, AND BASIL FUSILLI WITH BACON

Steps:

• Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp. Drain on paper towels; discard drippings from skillet.
• Meanwhile, cook fusilli in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quart water) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water, then add vegetables to pasta in pot and cook, partially covered, 2 minutes (water will stop boiling). Drain.
• Add pasta with vegetables to skillet along with pesto and 1/4 cup reserved cooking water and toss. Season with salt and moisten with additional cooking water if necessary.
• Top with crumbled bacon and a generous amount of freshly ground pepper.

ONE-POT ZUCCHINI-BASIL PASTA

Steps:

• In a large, deep 12-inch skillet, bring stock to a boil over high heat. Once stock boils, stir in pasta, zucchini, mascarpone, garlic and half the basil; season generously with salt and pepper and reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and liquid is reduced until thickened and creamy, 12 to 13 minutes, adding a splash of water during the last few minutes of cooking if needed to moisten. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, prepare the gremolata: Chop almonds and parsley with remaining basil until finely chopped and combined; season with salt and pepper.
• Divide pasta among shallow bowls. Sprinkle with gremolata and serve immediately.