Description
A delicious and customizable pasta dish that combines fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan for a vibrant and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta (your choice): Spaghetti, fusilli, or gluten-free varieties
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse until coarsely blended.
- With the motor running, drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, combine the drained pasta and pesto, adding reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
- Plate the pasta, sprinkle with more Parmesan and basil, and drizzle with olive oil.
Notes
Feel free to customize the pesto by using different nuts or herbs. To store leftovers, seal them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pasta, pesto, basil, Italian, vegetarian, quick meal