Description
A delightful and simple dish that brings together vibrant basil, garlic, and pine nuts for an unforgettable Pesto Sauce, perfect for coating your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and salt. Pulse until roughly chopped, then drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
- Stir in the Cheese: Mix in Parmesan cheese and blend until fully incorporated. Adjust flavor with salt and lemon juice.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a skillet, mix drained pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water if needed, and toss over low heat until well coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, topping with extra Parmesan, pine nuts, and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or skip nuts for a nut-free version. Adding sautéed vegetables can elevate the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pasta Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pasta, Pesto, Italian, Easy Dinner, Vegetarian