Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is a quick and delicious meal you can make any day. With just a few fresh ingredients, you get a bright and flavorful dish that feels homemade and satisfying.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne) holds sauce well
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves tightly packed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts lightly toasted
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil good quality
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness
- Red pepper flakes for subtle heat
- Lemon zest for citrus note
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse to break down.
- With processor running, slowly add olive oil until mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return pasta to pot or bowl. Toss with pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, pine nuts, fresh basil, and optional cherry tomatoes or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh basil and toast pine nuts for best flavor. Feel free to experiment with different greens or nuts.