Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 10-12 minutes (depending on the type of pasta)
Difficulty Level:
- 1 (simple)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the pesto to the pasta and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and flavorful
- Aromatic with the freshness of basil
- Rich and satisfying, yet light enough for any meal
- Balanced texture with al dente pasta and soft pesto
- Versatile and customizable based on personal preferences
User Comments:
- "This is by far the best pesto pasta I've ever had! The flavors are perfectly balanced and the pesto is so creamy."
- "I love how easy it is to make, yet it tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant."
- "I've tried several different pesto recipes, but this one is my absolute favorite. It's a staple in my kitchen now!"
- "The combination of basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese is out of this world. I highly recommend this dish."
- "I'm always looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables into my meals, and this pesto pasta is a great way to do that."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- For a nut-free version, omit the pine nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
- If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil to thin it out.
- Pesto can also be used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.
