Pesto Pasta Recipe

Pesto Pasta is a classic Italian dish that beautifully combines the vibrant, fresh flavors of basil pesto with the comfort of al dente pasta. This dish is a celebration of simplicity and quality ingredients, allowing the bright, herby notes of fresh basil, the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese, and the warmth of garlic to shine. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely Sunday meal, Pesto Pasta is both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved; extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

3. Add the Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream. Continue until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

4. Season the Pesto: Taste and season the pesto with salt and pepper as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

5. Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large serving bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture is too dry, add more pasta water, tablespoon by tablespoon, until you achieve a creamy consistency.

6. Optional Add-ins: For added texture and flavor, you can toss in halved cherry tomatoes or sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.

7. Serve: Serve the Pesto Pasta immediately, garnishing with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.

Servings

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tools Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Blender or food processor (for the pesto)
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Detailed Tips for Preparing the Recipe

1. Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well as they hold the pesto sauce better.

2. Salt the Pasta Water: Make sure the water is as salty as the sea. This enhances the flavor of the pasta.

3. Fresh Ingredients for Pesto: Use fresh basil leaves, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and good quality extra virgin olive oil. Freshness is key to a flavorful pesto.

4. Blend in Intervals: When making the pesto, pulse the ingredients in intervals to avoid overheating and bitter-tasting pesto.

5. Pasta Water Magic: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to emulsify and thicken the pesto sauce, making it cling better to the pasta.

6. Coat the Pasta: Mix the pasta well with the pesto sauce while it is still hot. The warmth helps the sauce to coat evenly.

7. Garnish Generously: Add toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh basil leaves on top for an elevated presentation.

Skill Level

Difficulty: Easy

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

1. Plating: Serve the pesto pasta in a shallow bowl to allow the vibrant green sauce to be the star of the dish.

2. Garnishing: Garnish with extra pine nuts, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adding a few whole basil leaves on top enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

3. Side Dish: Consider pairing the pasta with a crisp, light side salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to complement the richness of the pesto.

4. Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the flavors of basil and garlic in the pesto.

Storage Conditions

• Short-Term Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to avoid dryness.
• Freezing Pesto: You can freeze leftover pesto in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a ziplock bag. This allows for easy portion control and the pesto can be stored for up to 3 months.

Health Benefits

1. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with fresh basil, which is high in antioxidants, vitamin K, and vitamin A.
2. Healthy Fats: Olive oil and pine nuts provide healthy unsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
3. Protein-Packed: The Parmesan cheese and pine nuts add a good amount of protein to the dish.
4. Low in Sugar: Unlike many other pasta sauces, pesto is low in added sugars, making it a healthier option.

Recommendations for Vegans

• Cheese Substitute: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to give a similar umami flavor.
• Vegan Pasta: Ensure the pasta is made from wheat or another vegan-friendly grain. Avoid egg pasta.

Similar Recipes

• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta: A twist with tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
• Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta: Incorporates creamy avocado for a different texture and richness.
• Walnut Basil Pesto
• Pasta Primavera: For a vegetable-packed alternative.
• Garlic Olive Oil Pasta (Aglio e Olio): A simpler, yet equally delightful pasta option.

Enjoy preparing your Pesto Pasta and savor every bite!