Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, fresh, and incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This Pasta al Pesto recipe is your ticket to a delicious and healthy meal, ready in under 20 minutes. It's a classic for a reason – the vibrant basil pesto perfectly complements the al dente pasta, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a cheaper alternative)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
Making the Pesto:
- Toast the pine nuts: In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them! This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your pesto.
- Combine ingredients: Add the toasted pine nuts, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth, creamy pesto forms. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to reach your desired consistency.
Cooking the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine pasta and pesto: Add the drained pasta to a large bowl. Add the pesto and toss to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a nice, creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer pesto: Use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to your pesto for a spicy kick.
- Make it vegan: Substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese and use a high-quality vegan olive oil.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright citrusy flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of umami and sweetness.
- Fresh vegetables: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or blanched green beans for added nutrition and color.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of pasta and the amount of pesto used. However, a typical serving provides a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This recipe offers a good balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins making it a satisfying and relatively healthy meal choice.
This quick and easy Pasta al Pesto recipe is a fantastic option for a healthy weeknight meal. The vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. So why not give it a try tonight? Let us know in the comments how it turned out!