Go Back Email Link
+ servings
No ratings yet

Pesto Pasta

A quick and vibrant pesto pasta recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal. Fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil create a delicious sauce.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 0.5 pound Spaghetti
  • 2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves packed
  • 0.5 cup Pine Nuts
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 0.5 cup Olive Oil extra virgin
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.125 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  • While the pasta is cooking, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
  • Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running, until the pesto is smooth and well combined.
  • Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • In a large bowl, toss the drained spaghetti with the pesto. Add a little of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
  • Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and pine nuts.

Notes

For a richer pesto, you can add a tablespoon of butter when tossing the pasta with the sauce.