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–+ servings

Pesto Pasta

A delightful and aromatic pasta dish featuring homemade basil pesto, perfectly coated over al dente pasta, garnished with pine nuts and parmesan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water

For the Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts lightly toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

For Garnish

  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese shaved or grated
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts toasted
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water to enhance the pasta's flavor.
  • Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  • Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.

Make the Pesto

  • In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
  • With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
  • Add the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Pulse again until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Combine Pasta and Pesto

  • In the large pot used for cooking the pasta, combine the drained spaghetti and pesto. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
  • If the pesto is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve

  • Transfer the pesto pasta to a serving bowl. Garnish with shaved or grated parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious homemade pesto pasta!

Notes

For a variation, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables for added protein and flavor. Ensure to toast the pine nuts lightly to enhance their nutty flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Basil, pasta, Pesto, Vegetarian
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