{"id":"37b8ae56-f2c1-4f0b-97a0-0c9a33cac6e5","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/37b8ae56-f2c1-4f0b-97a0-0c9a33cac6e5","source_url":"https://nataliecooks.com/recipes/creamy-zucchini-pumpkin-seed-pasta/","title":"Creamy Zucchini Pumpkin Seed Pasta","servings":4,"servings_text":"4","prep_time":"PT10M","cook_time":"PT8M","image_url":"https://nataliecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zucchinipasta1.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"3 zucchini (about 1 lb 4 oz), trimmed, cut into 1-inch rounds","item":"zucchini (about 1 lb 4 oz), trimmed, cut into 1-inch rounds","quantity":3},{"text":"1 lb fusilli or penne (or any short pasta shape)","item":"fusilli or penne","quantity":1,"unit":"lb","preparation":"or any short pasta shape"},{"text":"5 oz fresh spinach ((about 5-6 loosely packed cups)(or use 2-3 cups frozen))","item":"fresh spinach ((about 5-6 loosely packed cups)(or use 2-3 cups frozen))","quantity":5,"unit":"oz"},{"text":"½ cup raw pumpkin seeds, (soaked overnight*)","item":"raw pumpkin seeds,","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup","preparation":"soaked overnight*"},{"text":"½ cup water","item":"water","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 tbsp olive oil","item":"olive oil","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1 tbsp lemon juice","item":"lemon juice","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"2 cloves garlic, (smashed)","item":"garlic,","quantity":2,"unit":"clove","preparation":"smashed"},{"text":"2 tsp fennel seeds","item":"fennel seeds","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 tsp dried oregano","item":"dried oregano","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"¾ tsp kosher salt","item":"kosher salt","quantity":0.75,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"¼ tsp red pepper flakes ((optional))","item":"red pepper flakes ((optional))","quantity":0.25,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"Black pepper","item":"Black pepper"},{"text":"½ cup grated parmesan ((optional))","item":"grated parmesan ((optional))","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"Toasted pumpkin seeds ((optional))","item":"Toasted pumpkin seeds ((optional))"},{"text":"*If you’re like me and never remember to soak seeds/nuts, just simmer them in water for 10 minutes, then drain and they’re ready to use!","item":"*If you’re like me and never remember to soak seeds/nuts, just simmer them in water for 10 minutes, then drain and they’re ready to use!"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts water and 2 tablespoons salt). Add zucchini and boil for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Use tongs or a fine mesh sieve to transfer the zucchini to a high-speed blender to steam off a bit (don’t throw the water away!)."},{"number":2,"text":"Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, adding your greens in with 1-2 minutes left. Drain and set aside."},{"number":3,"text":"In the blender, add the soaked or boiled seeds, water, oil, lemon, garlic, fennel, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) and blend on high until smooth (this should take about 1 minute)."},{"number":4,"text":"Transfer the pasta back to the pot and pour the sauce over top (scrape it all out!). Toss to coat. Taste and add more salt, if needed."},{"number":5,"text":"Serve topped with black pepper, plenty of cheese  (if using), and toasted seeds (if using)."}],"date_published":"2026-10-29T23:51:55.923946+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-29T23:51:55.923946+00:00"}