Pasta Pesto
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this classic Pasta Pesto recipe, a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed gatherings. Featuring al dente pasta coated in a velvety homemade pesto sauce, this dish sings with the freshness of basil, the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese and pine nuts, and the zesty brightness of lemon juice. The creamy sauce, made effortlessly in a food processor, is delicately balanced with garlic and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a luxurious texture. Perfectly customizable, this dish can be garnished with extra Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, or fresh basil for an elegant touch. Ready in just 22 minutes, this pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser bursting with flavor and comfort. Keywords: easy pasta recipe, homemade pesto sauce, quick dinner idea.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.33 cup Pine nuts
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 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 sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the rest.
Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Add the pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan, a few pine nuts, or fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2996 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 215.3 g | 276% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.6 g | 313% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 143 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 5575 mg | 242% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 146.9 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.3 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 124.0 g | 248% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 2840 mg | 218% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1045 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.
