Authentic Pesto Pasta

Authentic Pesto Pasta

Transport yourself to the sun-kissed shores of Liguria with this Authentic Pesto Pasta, a dish that embodies the very essence of Italian cuisine. This vibrant meal bursts with the aromatic freshness of basil, the savory punch of garlic, and the delightful crunch of toasted pine nuts, all harmoniously blended with rich, nutty Parmesan cheese. Each twirl of al dente pasta coated in this luscious green sauce promises a journey through Italy's culinary heritage, dating back to the 19th century, when pesto was made in mortar and pestle. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish will captivate your taste buds and leave your guests raving about your culinary prowess. For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Pasta (12 ounces (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice))
  • Fresh basil leaves (2 cups, packed)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Pine nuts (1/3 cup, toasted)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
  • Olive oil (1/2 cup, extra virgin)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste)
  • Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is emulsified and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  4. In a large pan over medium heat, add the prepared pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the pan and gently toss until the pasta is well coated with the pesto sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through.
  6. For a fresh touch, add halved cherry tomatoes just before serving. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 10 minutes • Calories: 450 • Fat: 20g • Carbs: 55g • Protein: 15g • Sodium: 350mg • Sugar: 3g