Casarecce Pasta with Hazelnut, Zucchini, and Grana Padano Pesto
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Casarecce pasta | 320g |
| Zucchini | 300g |
| Shelled hazelnuts | 80g |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 100g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 100g |
| Fresh marjoram | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Zucchini: Begin by washing and trimming the zucchini. Slice them into irregular rounds. These chunks will blend nicely into a creamy pesto later.
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Make the Pesto: Place the chopped zucchini into a tall mixing glass or container. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the zucchini. Season with a few fresh marjoram leaves for a fragrant herbal note. Add the shelled hazelnuts and continue blending the mixture into a smooth pesto-like texture.
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Incorporate the Grana Padano: Once you have a smooth zucchini and hazelnut blend, add the grated Grana Padano DOP cheese. Pulse the mixture briefly to combine. This addition of cheese will give your pesto a lovely, rich depth of flavor.
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Season the Pesto: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Blend again briefly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the casarecce pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, reserve some of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Combine the Pasta and Pesto: Immediately add the drained pasta into the pan with the prepared zucchini pesto. Toss the pasta in the pesto, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. If the pesto seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Finish the Dish: Cook the pasta and pesto together on medium heat for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
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Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with a sprinkle of shelled hazelnuts, fresh marjoram leaves, and generous shavings of Grana Padano DOP. This flavorful, creamy pasta is now ready to be served!
This creamy pesto combines the rich nuttiness of hazelnuts with the freshness of zucchini, balanced by the sharp, savory notes of Grana Padano. A delightful and refreshing dish for any pasta lover, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
