Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates fresh basil and garlic with perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups fresh basil, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, nuts, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until roughly chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot, add pesto, and toss to combine while adding reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta creamy but not runny.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and lemon juice for added flavor. Toss until well mixed.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, or pine nuts before serving.
Notes
Perfectly cooked pasta enhances the flavor of the pesto, and using fresh ingredients is highly recommended. Avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pasta, pesto, Italian cuisine, vegetarian, fresh basil