Zucchini Noodles With Basil Pesto And Bacon Food

HEATHER'S ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH BASIL-PUMPKIN SEED PESTO

Steps:

• To prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the onion (if using, see notes), garlic, basil, toasted pepitas, olive oil, vinegar and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and season with salt, to taste (I added about 1/2 teaspoon-if the mixture tastes overwhelmingly oniony, don't worry, it will mellow in a few minutes. I added another teaspoon of vinegar to help balance the flavors).
• To prepare the noodles: Spiralize the zucchini with a spiralizer (here's how), or turn the zucchini into noodles with a julienne peeler, or grate the zucchini the long way on a large box grater. Toss the zucchini with pesto until well coated, and season with salt (I added another 1/4 teaspoon).
• Transfer the pesto noodles to a large platter and sprinkle with the cherry tomatoes. Tuck the fresh basil in to the corners to garnish.

ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH BASIL PESTO AND BACON

Steps:

• Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Lay bacon slices on a large baking tray.
• Broil in the preheated oven until crispy, 9 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a large plate lined with absorbent kitchen paper and allow to cool and harden.
• Crumble the cooled bacon into smaller pieces and combine with pesto sauce.
• Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to cut zucchini into noodles, snipping midway to prevent them from getting too long.
• Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add zucchini and garlic and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add pesto-bacon mixture and heat for 2 minutes longer. Toss well so the noodles are evenly coated. Taste and season with salt if needed.
• Top with freshly grated Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese so it can melt while the dish is still warm. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Top with arugula, but do not mix it in. Serve immediately.

CHEESY ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH BACON

Steps:

• Cut the zucchini into long noodles using a spiralizer (or use 1 pound store-bought zucchini noodles). Set aside.
• Put a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Toss the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl and season with salt and black pepper. Spread on the hot baking sheet and bake until the tomatoes are slightly softened and just browned around the edges, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove to a paper towel¿lined plate and wipe out the skillet. Melt the butter in the skillet and add the scallion whites and garlic; cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the flour and stir to combine, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the milk, mustard, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheese until smooth.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini noodles and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring, until the zucchini is just softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the zucchini to the cheese sauce, leaving any extra liquid in the skillet. Cook over medium heat, gently tossing until coated; season with salt and black pepper. Top with the roasted tomatoes, bacon and scallion greens.

ZUCCHINI, CORN, AND BASIL FUSILLI WITH BACON

Steps:

• Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp. Drain on paper towels; discard drippings from skillet.
• Meanwhile, cook fusilli in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quart water) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water, then add vegetables to pasta in pot and cook, partially covered, 2 minutes (water will stop boiling). Drain.
• Add pasta with vegetables to skillet along with pesto and 1/4 cup reserved cooking water and toss. Season with salt and moisten with additional cooking water if necessary.
• Top with crumbled bacon and a generous amount of freshly ground pepper.