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Pesto Pasta Recipe

Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Recipe Category: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: AU$  12
Calories: 400 kcal
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
  • 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti)
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions for Pesto Pasta Recipe
    Cook the Pasta:
  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. 2
    Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
  3. 3
    Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
    4. Prepare the Pesto:
  4. 4
    In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
  5. 5
    Pulse until finely chopped.
  6. 6
    With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  7. 7
    Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
    8. Combine Pasta and Pesto:
  8. 8
    In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce.
  9. 9
    Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a desired consistency.
    10. Serve and Garnish:
  10. 10
    Transfer the Pesto Pasta to serving plates.
  11. 11
    Garnish with cherry tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  12. 12
    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
Keywords: Pesto Pasta Recipe, fresh pesto, Italian pasta, easy pesto pasta, homemade pesto
Read it online: https://recipehub.com.au/recipe/pesto-pasta-recipe/