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If you're craving a quick, flavorful meal, this Pesto Pasta Recipe is your go-to. Fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, and olive oil blend into a creamy, aromatic sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests, this dish is a burst of Italian goodness in every bite. Let's dive in!
Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 400 g pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine basil leaves, parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
- Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- In a large pan, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
What You Will Need
Read more: Pesto Pasta Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make pesto pasta
- Pasta: Acts as the base, absorbing the flavors of the pesto sauce perfectly.
- Fresh basil leaves: Provides a vibrant, aromatic flavor essential for authentic pesto.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty taste and creamy texture.
- Olive oil: Binds the ingredients together, giving the sauce a smooth consistency.
- Pine nuts: Contributes a subtle, buttery flavor and slight crunch.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the pesto with a pungent, savory depth.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly, ensuring it cooks perfectly without sticking together.
- Blender: Crucial for blending basil, parmesan, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic into a smooth pesto sauce.
- Colander: Necessary for draining cooked pasta, preventing it from becoming waterlogged.
- Large pan: Important for tossing pasta with pesto sauce, ensuring even coating and flavor distribution.
- Garlic press: Handy for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently, adding fresh flavor to the pesto.
Pesto Pasta Recipe
A simple and delicious pesto pasta recipe.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 400 g Pasta
- 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper freshly ground
Instructions:
- 1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a blender, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
- 3. Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 4. In a large pan, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
- 5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes:
For a creamier pesto, add a tablespoon of cream or a bit more olive oil.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the pesto sauce and store it in an airtight container.
- Cook the pasta, drain, and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine pasta and pesto when ready to serve.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze pesto sauce in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Cooked pasta can be frozen in a freezer-safe container.
- Thaw both in the fridge overnight, then reheat and combine.
Using a mortar and pestle to make pesto can release more essential oils from the basil leaves, giving the sauce a richer flavor compared to using a blender.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to make this pesto pasta?
It takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pine nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes.
Is it possible to make the pesto ahead of time?
Absolutely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is best for this recipe, but in a pinch, you can use dried. The flavor won't be as vibrant.
What type of pasta works best with pesto?
Any pasta works, but I prefer spaghetti or penne for this dish.
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