Pasta with zucchini pesto and Citterio ham cubes is a delicious, easy, and quick first course! It can be prepared well in advance and is excellent served both hot and cold. It can be enjoyed at any time, making it ideal for quick meals and packed lunches, but why not! “I’m sure it would be great if we have guests for lunch, I’m sure you’ll make a great impression!” A zucchini pesto with pine nuts and basil is prepared; it’s a variation of the classic Genoese pesto, but my version is light and versatile, perfect for dressing pasta or rice. Additionally, I’ve added tender and flavorful Citterio ham cubes. Citterio ham cubes are made from real selected cooked ham. They only have 2.8% fat, are free from polyphosphates and milk or derivatives, and are convenient and practical because, thanks to the separable packaging, I always keep a supply in the refrigerator!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini
- 1.06 oz pine nuts
- 7.05 oz cherry tomatoes
- 2 leaves basil
- 1.41 oz Parmesan cheese
- 2.82 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste coarse salt
- 1 clove garlic
- 4.59 oz Citterio cooked ham cubes
- 9.88 oz pasta
- 0.35 oz pine nuts
- 8.82 oz cherry tomatoes
- to taste salt
How to Prepare Pasta with Zucchini Pesto and Citterio Cooked Ham Cubes
Start by trimming the zucchini, then grate them with a large-hole grater.
In a pan, add a drizzle of oil and a garlic clove, then add the zucchini and let them brown.
Season with salt and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, then let cool.
Meanwhile, cut the cherry tomatoes in half, transfer them to a baking dish, season with salt and oregano, and then bake at 392°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or in an air fryer for 7-8 minutes at 392°F (200°C).
Put the zucchini in a blender, add the grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, coarse salt, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Blend everything for a few seconds until creamy; the pesto is ready!
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for the time indicated on the package. Once cooked, drain it into a bowl and add the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Citterio cooked ham cubes.
Mix to combine everything, garnish with toasted pine nuts, and serve.
Storage and Tips
Pasta with zucchini pesto and Citterio cooked ham cubes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days in an airtight container.
