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Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine, combining perfectly cooked pasta with a rich basil pesto sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 400 grams Pasta (spaghetti, fusilli, or your favorite shape) Choose a pasta shape that allows the sauce to cling well.

Pesto Sauce

  • 2 cups Fresh basil leaves Use young and vibrant leaves for the best flavor.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Adjust based on your preference for garlic intensity.
  • 1/4 cup Pine nuts Lightly toasting them can enhance their flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil Choose a good-quality oil for the best flavor.

Seasoning

  • Salt To taste, keeping in mind that Parmesan cheese is already salty.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper To taste.

Optional Garnishes

  • Cherry tomatoes For garnish, adds a burst of sweetness.
  • Arugula For garnish, adds a peppery note.

Instructions

  • Start by cooking the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, and pine nuts. Pulse the ingredients until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure an even blend.
  • Once the basil mixture is well combined, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse again until the cheese is incorporated into the mixture.
  • With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This will help emulsify the sauce, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Season the pesto with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go, as the flavors will develop further once the pesto is mixed with the pasta.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the freshly made pesto sauce. Toss gently to ensure that all the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Once the pasta is well coated, you can serve it immediately. If desired, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, or a handful of fresh arugula for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

Consider adding seasonal vegetables, proteins, or different types of pasta for variations. Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator.