Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Dish
This Basil Pesto Pasta recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a more sophisticated dinner party. The vibrant green pesto, bursting with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, coats the pasta beautifully, creating a culinary experience that is both satisfying and refreshing. This recipe is easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up this delicious pasta dish without any fuss.
- Pasta: 1 pound pasta of your choice (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well). Consider using whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Fresh Basil: 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves. The fresher the basil, the better the flavor!
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced. Adjust to your preferred garlic intensity.
- Pine Nuts: 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute). Lightly toast them for enhanced flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. A good quality Parmesan will elevate the dish significantly.
- Olive Oil: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil. Use a high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Basil Pesto Pasta:
1. Prepare the Pesto:
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the toasted pine nuts, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper (and lemon juice, if using) to a food processor.
- Blend: Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil if necessary.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Combine Pesto and Pasta:
- Add Pesto: Add the pesto to the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.
Tips and Variations:
- For a creamier pesto: Add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or crème fraîche to the pesto.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor in a vegan pesto. Substitute the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Make it ahead: The pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Basil Pesto Pasta recipe is a winner for its simplicity, versatility, and incredible flavor. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using the hashtag #BasilPestoPasta. We'd love to see your delicious results!
