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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
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: 30 min meal, comfort food, Pasta, quick
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • 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.
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