Pasta al Pesto
Discover the vibrant and irresistible flavors of **Pasta al Pesto**, an Italian classic that combines simplicity with bold, herby goodness. This quick and easy recipe features al dente pasta tossed in a rich, velvety pesto sauce made from **fresh basil leaves**, **toasted pine nuts**, **garlic**, and **extra virgin olive oil**, perfectly balanced with a generous sprinkling of **grated Parmesan cheese**. The addition of reserved pasta water ensures a silky texture, while hints of **black pepper** add a gentle kick. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Serve it warm and garnish with extra Parmesan for a delicious taste of Italy that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for lovers of **homemade pasta dishes**, **Italian recipes**, and **easy pesto pasta**!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup pine nuts
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 0.75 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Slowly add the olive oil into the food processor while it is running, blending until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse a few more times to incorporate the cheese into the pesto sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 0.5 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Return the hot pasta to the pot. Add the prepared pesto sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the pesto is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve the pasta al pesto immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2814 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 233.5 g | 299% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.3 g | 186% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 2636 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.5 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.2 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.7 g | ||
| Protein | 52.9 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 669 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1026 mg | 22% | |
*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.
