Pesto Pasta is an uncomplicated yet delicious dish that showcases perfectly cooked al dente pasta enveloped in a vibrant basil pesto sauce.
This timeless Italian recipe is brimming with the rich flavors of garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, high-quality olive oil, and toasted pine nuts. It’s an ideal choice for a speedy dinner or a sophisticated meal, celebrating the delightful essence of fresh, aromatic ingredients. We’ll show you a step by step how to guide to make Pesto Pasta Recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups (50g) fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup (40g) pine nuts
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or Parmesan shavings for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the pesto sauce:
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine pasta and pesto:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the hot pasta with the pesto sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Serve and garnish:
- Divide the pesto pasta among serving plates. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, extra Parmesan, or toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves are key to achieving vibrant and authentic pesto flavor.
- Don’t Overheat the Pesto: Toss the pesto with pasta off the heat to preserve its fresh taste and prevent bitterness.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Use some starchy pasta water to thin and emulsify the sauce.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the pesto well, but spaghetti or linguine also works.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Lightly toast the pine nuts to enhance their nutty flavor.
Pesto Pasta Variations:
- Creamy Pesto Pasta: Add a splash of cream or mascarpone for a velvety texture.
- Vegan Variation : Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and plant-based cream if needed.
- Pasta with Chicken: Mix in grilled chicken for added protein.
- Vegetable Pasta: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty meal.
- Nut-Free : Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for pine nuts.
- Spicy Pasta: Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
This Pesto recipe delivers a bold, herbaceous flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion!
More pasta ideas to try:
- Carbonara: Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor.
- Penne Arrabbiata: Perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- Lasagna Bolognese: Layers of pasta, béchamel, and melted cheese