Print

Creamy Pesto Zoodles Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

creamy pesto zoodles - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy pesto zucchini noodle dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts, perfect for a light, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry 4 medium zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to create noodle-like strands or peel into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Set aside on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup pesto with 1/4 cup heavy cream or softened cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Add minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  5. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to warm through.
  6. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the zoodles and gently toss to coat evenly. Heat for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle toasted pine nuts and 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss lightly or serve as a garnish.
  8. Add chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Pat zoodles dry to prevent sogginess. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Use cream cheese for tangier sauce or heavy cream for silkier texture. Adjust salt carefully as sun-dried tomatoes can be salty. For vegan version, use dairy-free pesto, cashew or coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: zoodles, zucchini noodles, creamy pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, low carb, gluten-free, vegetarian, quick dinner

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/creamy-pesto-zoodles-recipe-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-pine-nuts-easy/