Description
A simple yet satisfying dish of pasta tossed in a creamy pesto sauce, made with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Fresh Basil
- Pine Nuts (or walnuts/sunflower seeds)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan Cheese
- Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season generously with salt. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Pesto: While the pasta cooks, combine basil, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped, then stream in olive oil, blending until smooth.
- Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice to the processor. Blend well, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, combine drained pasta with pesto, tossing thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with cheese and a sprinkle of crushed pine nuts or fresh basil leaves.
Notes
For added protein, consider using grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Serve with garlic bread for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta, pesto sauce, family meals, vegetarian pasta, easy recipes