Description
A delightful pasta dish enveloped in a vibrant and creamy pesto sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Favorite pasta (spaghetti, fusilli, or penne)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add Cheese and Oil: With the processor running, add Parmesan cheese and slowly pour in olive oil until emulsified.
- Combine with Pasta: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in the pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with more Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, or sautéed veggies. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a vegan option, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pasta, pesto, Italian, vegetarian, quick meal