Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant plate of linguine, where tender julienned vegetables dance with a luscious herb pesto, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. This Linguine with Zucchini, Carrots, and Mixed Herb Pesto isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 medium zucchini, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup mixed herb pesto
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, prepare vegetables: carefully julienne the zucchini and carrot into thin, uniform matchstick-sized strips using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
- Add linguine to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add julienned zucchini and carrots, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still retain a slight crunch.
- Drain linguine and return to the pot. Add sautéed vegetables and mixed herb pesto to the pasta.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, using reserved pasta water if needed to help distribute the pesto and create a smooth, silky coating on the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Plate the linguine, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the vibrant colors and fresh herb flavors of the dish.
Tips
- Vegetable Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform julienne cuts to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps the pesto cling beautifully to the linguine.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook pasta just until tender but still firm to the bite. This ensures the perfect texture and prevents mushy noodles.
- Fresh Herb Boost: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding some freshly chopped herbs as a final garnish just before serving.
- Temperature Matters: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal blend of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
