Teresa's Recipes
Pesto Pasta with Basil and Pine Nuts
Indulge in a bowl of vibrant Pesto Pasta that beautifully showcases the flavors of fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and aromatic garlic. This delightful dish, drizzled with high-quality olive oil and topped with rich Parmesan cheese, is a celebration of Italian cuisine. Originating from the Liguria region, the word 'pesto' derives from 'pestare', meaning 'to crush', which refers to the traditional method of preparing the sauce using a mortar and pestle. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice) Pasta
- 2 cups, packed Fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup, toasted Pine nuts
- 2, minced Garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, grated (plus extra for garnish) Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (plus 1 tablespoon for cooking) Olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 55g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and a coarse paste forms.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth and creamy pesto sauce is formed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly with the oil.
- Pour the prepared pesto sauce over the pasta, tossing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and well mixed with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.
- Substitute walnuts or cashews for pine nuts if desired.
- Feel free to mix in grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.