Homemade Pesto Pasta
Introduction
Try our homemade pesto pasta recipe for an explosion of fresh flavors. Made with colorful basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this traditional Italian dish is a celebration of flavor and simplicity. This simple recipe will please your senses and take you to the lovely meadows of Italy, whether you are planning an enjoyable weekend meal or just need a quick midweek dinner. Now let’s get started on the recipe and discover the wonders of homemade pesto pasta.
Ingredients
- Pasta (such as spaghetti or penne): 12 ounces (340g)
- Fresh basil leaves, packed: 2 cups
- Pine nuts: 1/3 cup
- Garlic, peeled: 3 cloves
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Olive oil: 1/2 cup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced grilled chicken, or toasted pine nuts for garnish: Optional
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in a big skillet of salted water until al dente, following the directions on the package. With the exception of roughly 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain and set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the grated parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, and fresh basil leaves. Blend until the components achieve a finely minced consistency.
- As the food processor works, gradually add the olive oil in a continuous stream until the ingredients transforms into a velvety and silky pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat the cooked pasta in an even layer of the homemade pesto sauce by tossing it in a large mixing bowl. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a small amount of pasta water that was set aside to get the right consistency.
- For extra taste and texture, top the pesto spaghetti with sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, or toasted pine nuts.
- Serve the homemade pesto pasta warm and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, this recipe for homemade pesto pasta offers a lovely symphony of amazing taste and fresh ingredients that are certain to tantalize your palate. This traditional Italian dish never fails to wow, whether it is served as the centerpiece of a formal dinner party or enjoyed as a filling weeknight supper. You can replicate the real taste of Italy in your own kitchen with a few easy steps and healthy components. So, gather your ingredients, welcome the flavor of garlic and basil, and enjoy each and every delicious taste of this homemade pesto pasta dish.
