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Pesto Pasta

THE BEST Pesto Pasta at Home


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant, fresh and herbaceous Pesto Pasta made with classic Pesto alla Genovese and your favorite pasta. Perfectly creamy, nutty, and packed with bold Italian flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted for more flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 400g spaghetti, fusilli, or penne
  • Salted water for boiling
  • Reserved pasta water
  • Optional: Lemon zest for brightness
  • Optional: Mozzarella pearls for creaminess
  • Optional: Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes
  • Optional: Grilled chicken
  • Optional: Tofu or shrimp for added protein

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then set aside to cool.
  2. In a food processor or blender, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse until roughly chopped.
  3. While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain.
  5. Toss the hot pasta with the pesto, adding reserved water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  6. Optional: Mix in lemon zest, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
  7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use freshly packed basil and high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor. Add protein or veggies to suit your preferences.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Boiled
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: pesto, pasta, Italian, basil, vegetarian, quick dinner