Description
Pesto pasta is a vibrant, herb-forward dish perfect for busy weeknights or slow Sunday dinners. Its blend of garlic, basil, and toasted pine nuts makes it a comfort classic that’s both refreshing and rich.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
12 oz pasta (fusilli, rotini, or farfalle)
Cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini, or spinach (optional)
Protein like grilled chicken or salmon (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
2. Blend basil, Parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, and salt in a food processor.
3. Drizzle in olive oil while pulsing to reach a smooth consistency.
4. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
5. Toss hot pasta with pesto and a splash of pasta water.
6. Serve immediately with optional garnishes like tomatoes, basil, or extra cheese.
Notes
Make pesto ahead and store in the fridge for 5 days or freeze in cubes.
Leftovers work great as pasta salad.
For variation, use arugula, parsley, or spinach in place of basil.
Add veggies like cherry tomatoes or grilled zucchini for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boil, Blend, Toss
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pesto pasta, quick dinner, basil recipe, comfort food