Creamy Zucchini Pumpkin Seed Pasta
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/37b8ae56-f2c1-4f0b-97a0-0c9a33cac6e5
Original source: https://nataliecooks.com/recipes/creamy-zucchini-pumpkin-seed-pasta/
Recipe image: https://nataliecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zucchinipasta1.jpg
Yield: 4
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT8M

Ingredients
- 3 zucchini (about 1 lb 4 oz), trimmed, cut into 1-inch rounds
- 1 lb fusilli or penne (or any short pasta shape)
- 5 oz fresh spinach ((about 5-6 loosely packed cups)(or use 2-3 cups frozen))
- ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds, (soaked overnight*)
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, (smashed)
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes ((optional))
- Black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan ((optional))
- Toasted pumpkin seeds ((optional))
- *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
1. 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!).
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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.
5. Serve topped with black pepper, plenty of cheese  (if using), and toasted seeds (if using).