Looking for a quick and delicious pasta dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more? Our easy pesto pasta recipe is the perfect solution. With a burst of fresh basil and nutty goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require a lot of time or ingredients. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for the Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
To make this easy pesto pasta recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
First, gather 2 cups of fresh basil leaves. Make sure they are washed and patted dry.
Next, you will need 1/2 cup of pine nuts. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet until they are golden brown.
Then, peel and mince 3 cloves of garlic. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
Grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese will give the best flavor.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
While the food processor or blender is running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture forms a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.
Cook 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or linguine) according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
Add the prepared pesto sauce to the cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve the easy pesto pasta warm and garnish with extra basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
This delicious pesto pasta recipe is a burst of fresh basil and nutty goodness that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pesto Sauce
- Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry using a paper towel.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
- Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are roughly chopped.
- While the food processor or blender is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Taste the pesto sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Transfer the pesto sauce to a jar or container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
With these simple steps, you can easily make your own delicious pesto sauce from scratch. Whether you’re using it for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, this homemade pesto sauce will surely add a burst of fresh basil and nutty goodness to your dishes.
Cooking and Serving the Perfect Pesto Pasta
Once you have prepared the delicious pesto sauce, it’s time to move on to cooking and serving the perfect pesto pasta. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to be enjoyed.
Step 1: Boiling the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your desired amount of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2: Draining the Pasta
Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, carefully drain it using a colander. Shake off any excess water and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Be sure not to over rinse, as you want to retain some of the pasta’s natural starch to help the sauce adhere to it.
Step 3: Combining the Pasta and Pesto Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, transfer the drained pasta and add the prepared pesto sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure every strand is coated with the flavorful sauce. If needed, you can add a little bit of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Serving and Garnishing
Divide the pesto pasta into serving plates or bowls. You can garnish it with some fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra touch of richness. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s still warm and enjoy the burst of fresh basil and nutty goodness!
Now that you know how to cook and serve the perfect pesto pasta, you can impress your family and friends with this quick and delicious dish. It’s a wonderful option for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones. Enjoy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this easy pesto pasta recipe offers a delightful burst of fresh basil and nutty goodness that will leave your taste buds craving for more. The combination of vibrant green pesto sauce, al dente pasta, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese creates a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing option for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness!