Craving a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly weeknight meal? Look no further than this easy Basil Pesto Pasta recipe! Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients; this dish utilizes simple pantry staples to create a vibrant and flavorful pasta experience. The vibrant green pesto, bursting with fresh basil's aromatic punch, perfectly coats the pasta, creating a satisfying and comforting meal that's ready in minutes. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your taste preferences and what you have on hand. Whether you prefer a creamy or lighter pesto, or want to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, the possibilities are endless. Ready to whip up this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create your own perfect bowl of Basil Pesto Pasta!
Tools Needed
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- Water
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Parmesan cheese: 15 grams
- Pine nuts: 15 grams
- Fresh basil leaves: 45 grams
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Sea salt: 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Spaghetti or pasta: 250 grams
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pesto
- Add two cloves of garlic, 15 grams of grated Parmesan cheese, and 15 grams of pine nuts to a blender. Blitz for 20 seconds to combine.
- Add one bunch (45 grams) of fresh basil leaves, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper to the blender. Blitz until well blended.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta
- Place a saucepan three-quarters full of water on high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once the water boils, add 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 250 grams of spaghetti. Cook for 11 minutes, or according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Scoop out 250 milliliters of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta.
Step 3. Combine Pesto and Pasta
- Add the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the basil pesto and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Mix well to coat the pasta.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl, twisting it to create height. Top with fresh Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Read more: Tuscan Lemon Ricotta Ravioli: A Creamy, Herby Delight
Tips
- Toasting the pine nuts is optional.
- Small stems on the basil can be included for extra flavor.
- Add pesto last to prevent the basil from turning black due to heat.
- This recipe serves two and is best eaten immediately; reheating may alter the appearance of the basil.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pesto keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to prep it in advance.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Any pasta shape will do! But long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine are particularly good at catching the pesto.
3. What if I don't have fresh basil?
While fresh basil is best, you can substitute with a good quality dried basil. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried basil as you would fresh.
This Easy Basil Pesto Pasta recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and the ease of preparation, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch. Now go forth and create your own delicious bowl of pasta perfection!