Quick Easy Presto Pesto Pasta
Whip up a vibrant, flavor-packed meal in no time with this Quick Easy Presto Pesto Pasta! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender spaghetti with a luscious homemade basil pesto that’s bursting with fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and toasted pine nuts. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is as simple as it is satisfying, with a creamy, garlicky sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. The recipe’s no-fuss steps and use of pantry staples like olive oil and black pepper make it an ideal go-to for last-minute dinners, while fresh basil adds a fragrant, gourmet touch. Serve it topped with extra Parmesan, crunchy pine nuts, and a garnish of basil for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, this quick pesto pasta will impress every time!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cups pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well blended but slightly coarse.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a large bowl or the same pot used for cooking the pasta, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce. If the pasta seems too dry, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of pine nuts, and a few fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
548 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.3 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 426 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.4 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 16.4 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 373 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 471 mg | 10% | |
*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.
