FUSILLI WITH ZUCCHINI PESTO

Fusilli with Zucchini Pesto image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

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Kosher salt
1 pound fusilli
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 small zucchini (1 1/2 pounds), roughly chopped
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese, plus more for topping
1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds, plus more for topping
1 clove garlic, chopped

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
Meanwhile, working in 2 batches, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring, until very browned, 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
Pulse half of the zucchini in a food processor with the pecorino, almonds and garlic until a fine paste forms. With the machine running, slowly add the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil until smooth.
Toss the pasta with the pesto, 1/2 cup reserved cooking water and the remaining zucchini in a large bowl, adding more cooking water if needed; season with salt and pepper. Top with more toasted almonds and pecorino.