Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Pine Nut Pesto Pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a healthy, homemade meal that tastes incredible and is surprisingly easy to make. Forget complicated recipes and enjoy this simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pine nuts (also known as pignoli)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!
- Add the toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, basil, olive oil, and water to a food processor.
- Process until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the pesto sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pine Nut Pesto Pasta:
- Toasting the pine nuts: This step is crucial for enhancing their flavor and preventing them from tasting bitter. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
- Fresh basil: Using fresh basil makes a big difference in the flavor of the pesto. If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the pesto and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly. You might want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Lemon Pesto: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the pesto for a brighter, zestier flavor.
- Sun-dried Tomato Pesto: Add 1/4 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) to the food processor along with the other ingredients.
- Vegetarian Pesto: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add other vegetables like roasted red peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This delicious pine nut pesto pasta is a fantastic example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It's easy enough for beginner cooks and impressive enough for a dinner party. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece! It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a satisfying and flavorful meal.