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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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

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

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. 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.
  2. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
Make the Pesto
  1. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
  3. Add the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Pulse again until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Combine Pasta and Pesto
  1. In the large pot used for cooking the pasta, combine the drained spaghetti and pesto. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
  2. If the pesto is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve
  1. 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.
  2. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious homemade pesto pasta!

Nutrition

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

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.

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