Introduction
Pesto pasta is a beloved Italian dish featuring pasta tossed in a vibrant, fresh basil pesto sauce. The pesto is made from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, resulting in a sauce that’s fragrant, creamy, and full of bold flavors. This dish is a perfect balance of simplicity and richness, making it a popular choice for quick meals or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional for brightness)
- 400g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tbsp of salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
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Make the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.
-
Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- In a large pan or mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and coat the pasta evenly.
- Mix thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated with the pesto.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Health Considerations
- Healthy fats: Pesto is rich in healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts. However, it is also calorie-dense, so moderation is key if watching your calorie intake.
- For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of olive oil or substitute with a small amount of vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
- Pesto pasta is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for added indulgence.
Tips
- Pine nut substitute: If pine nuts are unavailable or too expensive, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds.
- Freshness: Always use fresh basil for the best flavor, and make sure to toast the pine nuts lightly to bring out their natural oils and flavor.
- Blending Pesto: Pulse the pesto ingredients in short bursts to avoid over-processing. This keeps the pesto's texture more authentic, with small pieces of basil and nuts.
