Description
Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the freshness of basil to your dinner table. This quick and easy recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a homemade pesto sauce, creating a delicious meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Each forkful is a delightful burst of herbaceous goodness, making it a favorite among family and friends. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this Pesto Pasta is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti or penne)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine drained pasta with pesto sauce and toss until evenly coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 34g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg