Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this classic pesto pasta recipe, where al dente spaghetti intertwines with a luscious basil pesto sauce. This delightful dish brings together the freshness of aromatic basil, the richness of pine nuts, the creaminess of Parmesan cheese, and the zest of garlic, all harmonizing into a symphony of taste and texture that’s both comforting and invigorating. Perfectly capturing the essence of Italian cuisine, this pesto pasta is a quick, elegant, and utterly satisfying culinary experience.
Pesto pasta recipe
Pesto pasta is a popular Italian dish made by tossing cooked pasta with a flavorful sauce known as pesto. Pesto is typically made from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, all blended together into a vibrant and aromatic sauce. The sauce is then mixed with cooked pasta, creating a dish that's bursting with the rich, herbal, and nutty flavors of its ingredients. Pesto pasta is often served as a main course but can also be enjoyed as a side dish or even a cold pasta salad. It's a versatile and beloved dish that showcases the simplicity and deliciousness of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy sauce. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Season the pesto sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final pulse to incorporate the seasoning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the pesto sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- If desired, you can add halved cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Serve the pesto pasta warm, and if you like, you can sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top.Enjoy your homemade pesto pasta!
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Notes
One important thing to note when making pesto pasta is to avoid overcooking the pasta. Cooking the pasta until it's al dente, meaning it's still slightly firm when bitten, is crucial. This helps maintain a pleasant texture and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the pesto sauce. Also, consider reserving some of the pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the pesto sauce and help it adhere better to the pasta, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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