Description
A light yet indulgent pasta dish featuring tender langostino tails, fresh zucchini, and a vibrant basil pesto sauce tossed with al dente pasta.
Ingredients
- For the Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 lb langostino tails, cooked and thawed if frozen
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Make the Pesto:
In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Sauté the Zucchini:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. -
Add Langostino:
Stir in the langostino tails and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Add red pepper flakes if using. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the pesto and gently toss everything to coat evenly. Warm through for 1-2 minutes. -
Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Cuisine: italian