Pesto Pasta
Pesto Pasta is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich, herbaceous basil pesto. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or preferred shape)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto by blending basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice if using.
- In a large bowl, toss the hot, drained pasta with the prepared pesto.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce evenly coat the pasta.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.
Notes
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan version.
- Store leftover pesto in the fridge with a thin layer of olive oil on top.
- Add proteins like chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Chill for a refreshing pesto pasta salad.
- Do not freeze finished dish; pesto may discolor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pesto-pasta/
