Basil Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 150g (5 cups) fresh basil leaves
- 60ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 30g (1/4 cup) pine nuts, toasted
- 60g (1/2 cup) parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 2g (1/2 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
- 450g (1 lb) spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) water
- 5g (1 tsp) salt for pasta water
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved, and extra parmesan cheese for serving
Welcome to a flavorful journey with our Basil Pesto Pasta recipe! Basil pesto, a traditional Italian sauce, is renowned for its fresh, vibrant taste and versatile nature. It beautifully complements a variety of pasta dishes, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet gourmet meal. With this detailed recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a lush, aromatic basil pesto that will elevate your pasta to the next level. Let’s dive into this culinary creation!
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Food Processor or Blender
- Large Pot for Boiling Pasta
- Colander
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Medium Mixing Bowl
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto Sauce
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Pulse several times until the ingredients are finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters (6 cups) of water to a boil. Add 5g (1 tsp) of salt and the pasta. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 120ml (1/2 cup) of pasta cooking water.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Pesto
In a medium mixing bowl, toss the hot pasta with the freshly made pesto sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency and the pesto evenly coats the noodles.
Step 4: Serve
Plate the pesto pasta and garnish with cherry tomatoes and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, delectable flavors.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a classic Basil Pesto Pasta that’s perfect for any occasion! Its aromatic fragrances and rich taste make it an unforgettable dish, certain to impress your guests and delight your senses. This recipe not only celebrates the natural taste of basil but also allows you to craft a versatile sauce that can be used in numerous other culinary applications. Bon Appétit, and may your dining experience be as delightful as the dish itself!
