Creamy Zucchini Pesto Pasta with Crispy Pancetta
A quick and creamy weeknight pasta made with golden zucchini, basil, Parmigiano, and crispy pancetta. The zucchini is cooked in rendered pancetta fat before being blended into a silky pesto and tossed with gemelli.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: 30 min meal, comfort food, Pasta, quick
Servings: 2
- 8 ounces gemelli pasta or any of your choice
- 4 ounces diced pancetta
- 1 small zucchini about 6–8 ounces, cut into small wedges
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves plus more for serving
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus more as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water as needed
Add the pancetta to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until the fat renders and the pancetta is golden and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the zucchini to the skillet and season lightly with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and deeply golden around the edges.
Transfer the zucchini, along with the rendered pancetta fat and oil remaining in the skillet, to a blender. Add the basil, Parmigiano, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Add another small drizzle of olive oil if needed to help it blend.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the gemelli until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water.
Return the drained pasta to the skillet and turn off the heat. Add the zucchini pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until glossy and evenly coated, adding additional pasta water as needed.
Divide between bowls and top with the crispy pancetta, additional Parmigiano, fresh basil, and black pepper.