Description
Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the classic combination of fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, and rich Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. Each bite offers an explosion of herbaceous goodness, making it a delightful meal that pleases everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (raw or lightly toasted)
- 2 garlic cloves (fresh)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the drained pasta with the pesto sauce in a large bowl. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve topped with additional Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds. - Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra protein. - Adjust spice levels by adding red pepper flakes.