Zucchini "Pasta" (even without a fancy spiralizer)

I keep seeing beautiful zucchini "pastas" on Pinterest, and most of them are either stiff strips from a mandolin, or pasta noodle looking items from a spiralizer.  I already have a mandolin, so I decided to see what I could do with what I have on hand.  I put the zucchini through the thin strip blades on my mandolin, sautéed it in some garlic olive oil to try and slightly soften the zucchini, without making it too soft.  It worked!  Below is my recipe for Zucchini Pasta, served alongside Spicy Tilapia (minus the pineapple relish) from a previous post and Gina's phenomenal Skinny Basil Pesto. 

I would definitely advise prepping everything, and having it ready to go.  Once you start to cook the fish and zucchini, they are both done in less than 5 minutes.  This meal actually got a "best dinner ever" review from my husband so I think it all came together pretty nicely :-)

Zucchini "Pasta"

Ingredients:
2 medium zucchini
1/2 Tbsp ~7.5mL garlic olive oil, I use Stonewall Kitchen's Roasted Garlic Oil
Fresh ground black pepper/salt to taste

Directions:
1)  Julienne zucchini, I used the skinny blades on my mandolin and went down the length of the zucchini.  I did not peel them, as I like the mixed light and dark green colors.

2)  Heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add pasta, salt and pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.

3)  Cook an additional 2 minutes, or until pliable, and softened to your preference.

4)  Remove heat, toss with Skinny Basil Pesto, and top with additional grated parm.

Skinny Basil Pesto, from Skinny Taste

Ingredients:
1 cup basil
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup grated parmesan
salt & pepper to taste
2 1/2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:
1)  In a food processor pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.

Spicy Tilapia

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons canola oil

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

4, 6 ounce tilapia fillets

 

Directions:

1)  Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Combine Cajun seasoning, salt and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.  Sprinkle fish evenly with pepper mixture. Add fish to pan, cook 2-3 minutes each side, or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.