Pesto Pasta Recipe
Description
Indulge in the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of our authentic Pesto Pasta Recipe. This classic Italian pasta dish features a fragrant pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, all tossed with al dente pasta. Follow our detailed guide to create a Pesto Pasta that will become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Pesto Pasta Recipe
Instructions for Pesto Pasta Recipe
Cook the Pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
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Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Pesto:
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In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
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Pulse until finely chopped.
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With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Pesto:
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In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce.
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Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish:
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Transfer the Pesto Pasta to serving plates.
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Garnish with cherry tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, flavorful Pesto Pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pesto Pasta Recipe Variation Options:
- Chicken Pesto Pasta: Add grilled or sautéed chicken breast slices for added protein.
- Vegetarian Pesto Pasta: Include roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
- Spicy Pesto Pasta: Add red pepper flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.
- Nut-Free Pesto: Substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely.
- Vegan Pesto Pasta: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and add extra olive oil or water for consistency.
Pesto Pasta Recipe Cooking Tips:
- Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. Avoid using dried basil.
- Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce's consistency.
- Blending Pesto: Blend the pesto ingredients until smooth but not too long, to prevent overheating the basil.
- Serving Immediately: Serve the Pesto Pasta immediately after combining to maintain the fresh flavor and texture.
Pesto Pasta RecipeServing Suggestions:
- Main Course: Serve as a hearty main course with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
- Garnish: Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves
Did you make this recipe?
Frequently Asked Questions
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Yes, you can add roasted or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
Add more olive oil or a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamier consistency.
Yes, you can freeze the pesto sauce in ice cube trays and transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.
Use the pesto immediately after making or store it with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.
For a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use extra olive oil or water to adjust the consistency.
You can use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds as a substitute for pine nuts.
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or spaghetti.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
