Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with the vibrant flavors of Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce, a quick and wholesome dish that dazzles in just over 20 minutes. Boasting tender bowtie pasta enveloped in a creamy, homemade basil pesto, this recipe masterfully blends fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil with grated Parmesan cheese for a divine, silky sauce. A hint of lemon juice adds brightness, perfectly balancing the rich flavors. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or seeking a satisfying weeknight meal, this easy-to-prepare pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Perfect for busy schedules, this recipe ensures a delightful dining experience straight out of an Italian summer kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cups pine nuts
- 2 medium garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to the pesto. Pulse again until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the pesto sauce to the pasta, thinning it with a small amount of reserved pasta water if necessary, until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
Toss the pasta gently to combine, ensuring each bowtie is well-coated with pesto.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2593 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.5 g | 197% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.7 g | 128% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1863 mg | 81% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.2 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 65.1 g | 130% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 515 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 15.6 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 388 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
