Zucchini Pesto Spaghetti

​If you've been craving all of the cool and juicy things this summer, you're not alone and you're not wrong! Our bodies are naturally attempting to balance out the heat that is everywhere right now. What's coming into our local markets is mother nature's way to naturally tell us what to get and what to eat. 

It's also the season for quick and simple meals, because honestly, who wants to be in the kitchen for a long time? Definitely not me. Summer is meant to be enjoyed outside, eating yummy food, and basking in all of the radiance of the sun! 

And if you're anything like me, you may be growing basil and have an ungodly amount to use up. This recipe is perfect for quick, easy, and ready to go in 20 minutes max! 



​Ingredients: 

• 3 zucchini (or yellow squash or a mix) shredded 
• 2 tsp avocado oil 
• 1/4 cup pesto (of your choice) 
• 4 tbsp butter 
• 1 cup shredded parmesan + 1/4 cup to top
• Salt & pepper to taste 
• 4 cups spaghetti (or feel free to choose your favorite pasta) 
• 1/2 cup pasta water 

Recipe: 

1. Take a large flat bottom pan or pot and add your oil. 
2. Once the oil is hot, add in your shredded zucchini (Note: there is no need to squeeze out the water. We're going to keep it to help keep the moisture in tact to support the cooling). 
3. Sweat the zucchini down until it looks nice and soft. At this point, you'll add in the pesto and give everything a good coat. 
4. Add in the salt, pepper, and butter. Again, give it a good toss. Then very gently fold in the 1 cup parmesan. (My personal preference is to get a massive block of parmesan from the grocery store and shred it myself. It just adds a different level of amazing-ness. Trust me) 
5. When the pasta is ready, add it in. You're going to have to really pull the zucchini from the bottom back up as it can be easy to have it just settle at the bottom. 
6. Slowly pour in the pasta water and mix everything nicely. Feel free to adjust the salt/pepper to your liking. 
7. When you're ready to serve, sprinkle a little more parmesan on top. 

Time to dig in! I hope you enjoy this pasta dish as much as my family did! 

---