If there’s one dish that always wows, it is pesto pasta. With its eye-catching green colour, nutty aroma, and that creamy yet zesty taste, this Italian classic is the epitome of comfort food. What’s even better? It’s quick to prepare, can be tailored to your taste, and is incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking it for a relaxed family meal or even prepping meals for the week, pesto pasta is always a hit. Also, whipping up your own pesto sauce with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan really takes the flavour to the next level.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
For the Pasta
250 gSpaghetti (or penne/fusilli)
1 tsp Salt (for boiling water)
add as requiredWater
For the Pesto Sauce
2 cups (packed)Fresh basil leaves
¼ cupPine nuts (or walnuts/almonds)
2Garlic cloves
½ cupExtra virgin olive oil
½ cupParmesan cheese (grated)
½ tspSalt (adjust to taste)
¼ tspBlack pepper
1 tsp(optional)Lemon juice
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Boil the pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your pasta and cook it until it’s tender but still firm to bite.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Make the pesto
Grab your blender and mix together basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
While blending, slowly drizzle in some olive oil until it’s all smooth.
If you want a little extra flavour, feel free to add some lemon juice
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Toss pasta with pesto
In a large skillet or pan, combine the drained pasta with the pesto sauce.
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss it all together until it’s beautifully coated and creamy.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Adjust and serve
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve it hot, topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.