Cheese Basil Pine Nut Pasta
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Cheese Basil Pine Nut Pasta, a creamy, herbaceous dish that’s perfect for any pasta lover. This recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, velvety sauce made from Parmesan, mozzarella, and heavy cream, creating a luscious base that’s elevated by the aromatic freshness of basil leaves. Toasted pine nuts add a nutty crunch, while sautéed garlic infuses the dish with savory depth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and hearty meal is finished with a sprinkle of black pepper and optional Parmesan garnish for a gourmet touch. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta recipe is a must-try that’s sure to delight family and friends alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, place a small skillet over medium heat and toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir until warmed through, about 2 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, mixing until smooth and melted.
Stir in the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water (1 tablespoon at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
591 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.8 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 1126 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.2 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 24.9 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 501 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 197 mg | 4% | |
*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.
