Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is a fresh and vibrant dish made with tender pasta and a rich, herb-packed pesto sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for an easy yet satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto by combining basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor.
- Pulse a few times, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, and blend again until well combined.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to coat evenly.
- Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Include cherry tomatoes for added freshness and sweetness.
- Use arugula or spinach instead of basil for variation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add a splash of water or olive oil when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pesto-pasta-2/
