Description
This easy and flavorful pesto pasta combines al dente pasta with a fresh basil pesto sauce for a deliciously simple meal. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it’s a fresh, vibrant option for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fusilli, or your favorite type)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as an alternative)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce:
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until well coated.
- Serve:
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit pine nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg