Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Classic Basil Pesto Pasta is a must-try for Italian cuisine lovers. Featuring al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant, homemade basil pesto, this recipe highlights the magic of fresh ingredients like aromatic basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice. The rich creaminess of grated Parmesan cheese and extra-virgin olive oil pulls it all together for a silky-smooth sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a picture-perfect finish that combines simplicity and sophistication. If you're searching for a classic pesto pasta recipe that’s both flavorful and satisfying, this one’s a keeper! Keywords: basil pesto pasta, quick pasta recipe, homemade pesto, Italian pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta
- 2 cups Basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 units Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes, and set aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Pulse the mixture several times until it starts to become a thick paste.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon juice and blend again until fully combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the basil pesto. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1969 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 154.8 g | 198% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.2 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 2261 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.9 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 39.9 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 528 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 436 mg | 9% | |
*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.
