Description
A delightful dish that combines fresh pasta with a vibrant homemade pesto made from basil, garlic, and pine nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli)
- Salt, to taste
- Extra Parmesan and olive oil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Gradually add olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add a generous portion of salt, then toss in your pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix the hot pasta with the pesto, adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy with sautéed veggies or a side salad.
Notes
Remember to taste as you go, adjusting the flavors. Enjoy with sautéed garlic mushrooms for an extra twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pasta, pesto, Italian, vegetarian, family recipe, comfort food